Cargo Ship Collides with US Oil Tanker Off UK Coast, Sparking Fire

A cargo vessel collided with a US-flagged oil tanker carrying jet fuel meant for military off England's northeast coast on Monday, igniting a massive fire and prompting a dramatic rescue operation. 

One person was hospitalized, while all 36 other crew members were reported safe, according to local MP Graham Stuart.

The incident occurred around 10 a.m. local time when the Portuguese-flagged container ship Solong struck the Stena Immaculate, an oil tanker anchored in the North Sea about 10 miles off the English coast. Videos showed thick black smoke and flames engulfing one of the ships.

Crowley, the US firm managing the Stena Immaculate, confirmed multiple explosions on board following the collision. 

The tanker, part of a US government program to transport fuel for military needs, sustained a ruptured cargo tank containing Jet-A1 fuel.

The cause of the collision remains unclear. Martyn Boyers, chief executive of the nearby Port of Grimsby East, expressed surprise given the advanced navigation systems aboard modern vessels. 

Both the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) and the Marine and Coastguard Agency (MCA) are expected to investigate the incident.

Environmental concerns were raised about potential fuel spills, but experts noted that jet fuel poses less risk than crude oil due to its faster biodegradation. 

Greenpeace UK highlighted the urgency of a swift response to prevent environmental damage.