A maritime collision off the northeast coast of England on Monday led to a large-scale rescue operation and raised concerns about environmental hazards. A Portuguese-flagged container ship, the Solong, crashed into a US military-chartered oil tanker, the Stena Immaculate, around 10 a.m. local time (6 a.m. ET).
The impact caused significant damage to both vessels, igniting a massive fire and prompting urgent emergency responses. Most of the Solong’s 14 crew members were rescued and safely brought to shore, except for one individual who remained missing as of Monday night, when search operations concluded, according to the British coast guard.
A statement from Ernst Russ, the company that owns the Solong, confirmed that the vessel was transporting an undisclosed amount of alcohol along with 15 containers of sodium cyanide. Maritime intelligence group Lloyd’s List raised concerns over the potential release of sodium cyanide into the sea, though it remains unclear if any spillage has occurred. The US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health warns that sodium cyanide can generate hydrogen cyanide gas, a highly toxic compound that impairs the body’s ability to utilize oxygen. Furthermore, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) states that sodium cyanide can convert into hydrogen cyanide upon contact with water, heightening environmental fears.
The Stena Immaculate was carrying military jet fuel and marine diesel, with its destination set for Killingholme, England. A spokesperson from the US Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) confirmed that the vessel was en route to replenish fuel supplies before heading toward the Mediterranean.
Footage of the incident captured thick black smoke rising into the sky, with flames engulfing parts of at least one vessel. Emergency medical services treated 36 individuals upon their arrival ashore, according to Alastair Smith, Head of Operations at East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust.
