A MAJOR collision in the North Sea between a cargo ship and a fuel tanker has highlighted the dangers of crowded sea lanes.

The stationary tanker was carrying jet fuel for the US military and the crash has created a fireball consuming both vessels.

The UK Coastguard is coordinating the emergency response to the incident off the coast of East Yorkshire, involving the US-flagged oil tanker MV Stena Immaculate and the Madeira-flagged (Portuguese second register) cargo ship Solong which is owned by a reputable German managing owner Ernst Russ.

Rescue efforts have been extensive, with lifeboats, a Coastguard helicopter, and nearby vessels with firefighting capabilities assisting. Reports indicate that 36 people were rescued, with one individual taken to the hospital. However, one crew member from the Solong remains missing.

The Stena Immaculate was carrying jet fuel, while the Solong reportedly had containers of sodium cyanide and alcohol on board. Authorities are monitoring the environmental impact and assessing counter-pollution measures.

In a media release issued on 10 March by Crowley which manages the tanker Stena Immaculate, it said the vessel was stationary and anchored near the city of Hull, when it was struck on its port side by the container ship Solong.

As a result, at least one cargo tank containing Jet-A1 fuel was ruptured.

The release said Crowley is working closely with response agencies including the Coastguard to secure the vessel in a restricted safety area and initiate spill containment response. All 23 Crowley mariners that were on board are safe and accounted for with no reported injuries at this time.

Cal Hayden, vice president, Crowley global ship management said Crowley’s priority is to protect the safety of mariners, and the environment.

“We greatly appreciate the quick actions and support of the U.K. authorities, rescue workers and others to today’s incident and remain committed to working with them on the continued response efforts,” Mr Hayden said.

The Stena Immaculate is managed by Crowley through a joint venture with owner Stena Bulk USA.

The tanker was under charter for the Military Sealift Command, and was anchored while it awaited berth availability at the Port of Killingholme, where it was due to make a standard delivery of fuel as part of a routine service when it was struck.

On Tuesday morning it was unclear what volume of fuel may have been released as a result of the incident. At the time it was struck, the 183-meter Stena Immaculate was carrying 220,000 barrels of jet fuel in 16 segregated cargo tanks.