ASIATODAY.ID, LONDON – One person is still missing after a container ship carrying toxic sodium cyanide crashed into an oil tanker transporting jet fuel for the US military in the North Sea on Monday, sparking multiple explosions in what the UK government described as an “extremely concerning” situation.
Lifeboats and a coastguard helicopter were called to the collision just before 10am near the entrance to the Humber Estuary off the East Yorkshire coast.
The vessels involved were a Portuguese container ship called the MV Solong and the US-flagged tanker MV Stena Immaculate, which was on a short-term charter to the US Navy’s Military Sealift Command.
Initial reports stated 37 people were rescued, with one hospitalised. It has subsequently been reported by the Times that 38 people across both vessels are accounted for but that one crew member of the Solong is still missing.
The Solong vessel was carrying 15 containers of sodium cyanide among other cargo, according to a report from maritime data provider Lloyd’s List Intelligence. It is unclear if any of the chemical – which can dissolve in water and release a toxic gas if heated – leaked into the water.
The Stena Immaculate spilled some jet fuel into the water after sustaining a ruptured cargo tank, according to US logistics group Crowley which manages the vessel.
HM Coastguard has said it is assessing the “likely counter pollution response required”.
Martyn Boyers, chief executive of the Port of Grimsby East, said he had been told there was “a massive fireball” after the crash.
Two maritime security sources told the Reuters news agency there was no indication of any malicious activity or other actors involved. (AT Network)
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