Fiery Crisis at Sea: US Merchant Marine Oil Tanker Erupts in Flames Off the UK Coast!

Off the coast of East Yorkshire, a serious situation is developing involving the U.S.-flagged oil tanker MV Stena Immaculate,which was carrying jet fuel and is classified as vital to U.S. national security under the Department of Transportation’s Tanker Security Program (TSP). The vessel was anchored when it was struck by the Portuguese-registered containership MV Solong. This collision has ignited fires on both ships, prompting extensive search and rescue efforts. The crews have evacuated both vessels; initial reports indicate that all U.S. Merchant Mariners are safe in lifeboats, although one crew member from the solong remains missing.

“It seems that the Solong did not reduce speed or alter it’s course; it collided directly with the side of the Stena Immaculate,” stated maritime historian Sal Mercogliano in a detailed analysis available in a video.

The Importance of TSP vessels

The MV Stena Immaculate, one of only ten vessels enrolled in DOT’s TSP, plays a crucial role for military logistics. Neither Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy nor Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has commented publicly on this incident yet.This tanker is among three operated within TSP by Crowley-Stena Marine Solutions—a partnership between Crowley, an American company managing operations, and Stena Bulk USA.

h2>Crisis Response Efforts

The incident took place at approximately 9:48 AM on Monday while the Stena Immaculate was anchored off Humber Estuary when it was struck by Sologn.. The UK maritime and Coastguard Agency is leading emergency response efforts with support from search-and-rescue helicopters based at Humberside as well as lifeboats dispatched from Skegness, Bridlington, Mablethorpe, and Cleethorpes. Additional assistance comes from fixed-wing aircraft and nearby vessels equipped for firefighting operations.