Thirty-two injured after two ships collide in the North Sea

The oil tanker and cargo vessel crashed off the East Yorkshire coast

More than 30 casualties have been brought ashore after a crash between an oil tanker and a cargo ship in the North Sea.

Footage shows clouds of black smoke billowing into the air after the collision off the coast of East Yorkshire on Monday morning.

So far 32 casualties have been brought ashore – but some crew members are yet to be accounted for, a port boss has said.

Lifeboats and a coastguard helicopter were called to the collision in the Humber Estuary just before 10am, believed to involve a US-flagged tanker called the MV Stena Immaculate.

The American tanker was at anchor, according to ship tracking tool Vesselfinder.

Martyn Boyers, chief executive of the Port of Grimsby East, told the PA news agency 13 casualties were initially brought in on a Windcat 33 vessel, followed by another 10 on a harbour pilot boat and nine on another pilot’s vessel.

Mr Boyers said he had been told there was “a massive fireball”, adding: “It’s too far out for us to see – about 10 miles – but we have seen the vessels bringing them in.

“They must have sent a mayday out – luckily there was a crew transfer vessel out there already.

“Since then there has been a flotilla of ambulances to pick up anyone they can find.”

The casualties’ conditions remain unclear.

Footage of the incident showed at least one vessel on fire, with clouds of black smoke coming out of the oil tanker.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “I’m concerned to hear of the collision between two vessels in the North Sea this morning and am liaising with officials and HM Coastguard as the situation develops.

“I want to thank all emergency service workers involved for their continued efforts in responding to the incident.”

Published: 10/03/2025 by Radio NewsHub