A container ship named the Solong, sailing under the flag of Madeira, was involved in a collision with a US-flagged tanker, the Stena Immaculate, in the North Sea off England’s northeastern coast. The incident occurred as the Solong was making its journey from the Scottish port of Grangemouth, having departed on Sunday evening, and en route to Rotterdam in the Netherlands, as indicated by VesselFinder.
In response to the maritime accident, the British coastguard launched a comprehensive firefighting and search and rescue operation.
"A coastguard rescue helicopter from Humberside was called, alongside lifeboats from Skegness, Bridlington, Maplethorpe and Cleethorpes, an HM Coastguard fixed-wing aircraft, and nearby vessels with firefighting capability," said the British coastguard.
The cause and full impact of the collision remain unclear, with details about the Solong's current status, cargo, and crew yet to be disclosed. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has been informed of the incident and awaits a complete marine casualty investigation report.
"The current focus is on the firefighting and search and rescue operation. In due course, a full marine casualty investigation report should be submitted to the International Maritime Organization," stated the British coastguard.
As of now, CNN is in the process of verifying videos purportedly related to the crash. Further information concerning the Solong's size, type, or the specifics of its route beyond its starting point at Grangemouth and destination at Rotterdam is unavailable.
