Oil tanker crash in North Sea LIVE: 32 casualties rescued after collision with cargo vessel

dailyrecord.co.uk:

An oil tanker has crashed with a cargo vessel in the North Sea.The US-flagged MC Stena Immaculate exploded into a huge fire just 10 miles off the coast of the UK.

The ship was reportedly carrying a full load of jet fuel when the Portugal-flagged Solong cargo vessel ploughed into it at 10am this morning.It is understood the cargo ship had deported from Grangemouth.

Crew have abandoned both ships and a major rescue mission is underway.The Stena Immaculate oil tanker sustained a ruptured cargo tank after it was struck by container ship Solong in the North Sea today, causing “multiple explosions” and jet fuel to be released into the water, the ship’s management firm Crowley said.Pic credit: Bartek Smialek/PA WireForth Ports has confirmed it's providing assistance with a tug to support the large rescue operation in the North Sea after a cargo ship that was travelling from Grangemouth collided with an oil tanker carrying jet fuel for the US armed forces this morning.

A spokesperson fro Forth Ports said: “We confirm that the Solong container vessel left the Port of Grangemouth and sailed out of the Forth Estuary at 22.52 hours on Sunday 9th March heading for Rotterdam.“Separately, the Camperdown tug, which is part of Forth Ports’ Targe Towing operation, has been despatched to provide support if required.”Marine inspectors say they are gathering evidence after the collision.