The events in the North Sea over the past hours have created headlines and news stories all over the world.
The Bridlington Echo was among the first to break the huge news story with a dramatic video clip showing billowing smoke and flames coming from the two vessels.
Below is an update of events so far.
Humber Coastguard, which is based at Limekiln in Bridlington, received notification around 10:00 on Monday, March 10th, that two vessels had collided off the East Yorkshire coast in a busy shipping area.
Both vessels caught fire, but it is understood that the situation is under control.
The Bridlington All Weather Lifeboat, Antony Patrick Jones, was one of four lifeboats called out to the incident, which took place in a sea area called Westernmost Rough, approximately 25 nautical miles southeast of Bridlington.
The Stena Immaculate is a US oil tanker and was hit by the Portuguese-flagged cargo ship, the Solong, while at anchor.
HM Coastguard said 36 people were brought ashore, one of whom was hospitalised.
The owner of the Solong, Ernst Russ, said that one member of its 14-strong crew was missing.
This has also been confirmed by the coastguard as it announced that the search had been called off.
The Stena Immaculate was carrying jet fuel for the US government when it was struck.
A preliminary investigation carried out by the Maritime Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has begun, according to the government.
A Coastguard spokesman said: “HM Coastguard is currently coordinating the emergency response to a collision between a tanker and cargo vessel off the coast of East Yorkshire, resulting in fires aboard both vessels. The alarm was raised at 9:48 am.
“A Coastguard Rescue Helicopter from Humberside was called, alongside lifeboats from Skegness, Bridlington, Mablethorpe, and Cleethorpes, an HM Coastguard fixed-wing aircraft, and nearby vessels with fire-fighting capability. The incident remains ongoing, and an assessment of the likely counter-pollution response required is being enacted.”
Bridlington Lifeboat was the first lifeboat to be launched in response to the huge emergency incident, launching in the North Sea at 9:59 am. It was followed by launches from Cleethorpes and Mablethorpe (10:08 am) and then Skegness at 10:21 am.
The Bridlington boat and crew returned to its station on South Marine Drive promenade at around 7:30 pm last night (March 10th) after almost ten hours at sea on active service.
Councillor Anne Handley, East Riding of Yorkshire council leader said “This tragic incident is deeply alarming, and we are closely monitoring developments.
“Our thoughts go out to all those affected, as well as with the phenomenal work of the emergency services at this difficult time.
“East Riding of Yorkshire council will offer our full support, where necessary, to support the response to this incident.”
