A dramatic rescue operation is unfolding in the North Sea off East Yorkshire, England, following a collision between an oil tanker and a cargo ship a short while ago. The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) reported the incident after an alarm was raised at 9:48 a.m. GMT (3.30pm IST), prompting a swift and extensive emergency response. The oil tanker, now engulfed in flames, has heightened concerns about crew safety and potential environmental damage.

The collision occurred near Hull, with the MCA deploying a Coastguard rescue helicopter from Humberside, lifeboats from Skegness, Bridlington, Mablethorpe, and Cleethorpes, and a fixed-wing aircraft to the scene. Nearby vessels with firefighting capabilities have also joined efforts to combat the blaze on the tanker. Early reports suggest the tanker, tentatively identified on social media as the Stena Immaculate—a US-registered chemical/oil products vessel—was at anchor when it was struck by the cargo ship, possibly the Portuguese-registered Solong. Official confirmation of the vessels’ identities and the collision’s cause remains pending.

The first priority is evacuating crew members from both ships while containing the fire. No casualties or oil spills have been reported, but the situation remains volatile. The North Sea, a busy shipping corridor, has seen similar incidents in the past, though the involvement of a burning tanker amplifies the stakes. Authorities are monitoring for environmental risks, given the tanker’s cargo and the fire’s intensity.

The MCA continues to coordinate the response, with firefighting teams working tirelessly amid challenging conditions. Updates are expected as the situation stabilizes. For now, the incident underscores the perils of maritime transport and the rapid mobilization required to avert disaster. The cause of the collision and its full impact will likely emerge in the coming days as investigations begin.