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(NEW YORK) — A Portuguese container ship has collided with a U.S.-flagged oil tanker while the tanker was anchored in the North Sea, on the eastern coast of England, with both ships catching on fire, according to officials.
“HM Coastguard is currently co-ordinating the emergency response to reports of a collision between a tanker and cargo vessel off the coast of East Yorkshire resulting in fires aboard both vessels,” the U.K. coast guard said in a statement.
The U.S. ship was identified as the Stena Immaculate, while the Portuguese-flagged container ship was identified as the Solong. Both ships were abandoned by their crews.
All crew members of Stena Immaculate have been rescued, Lena Alvling, a spokesperson for the Swedish shipowner Stena Bulk, told ABC News.
It is unclear if all crew members of the Solong have been accounted for yet.
Approximately 32 people have been brought to shore in Grimsby, with some casualties among them, an eyewitness told ABC News.
The incident occurred at approximately 10 a.m. UTC, while the Crowley-managed Stena Immaculate tanker was anchored about 10 miles off the North Sea coast near Hull, England, according to Crowley.
A cargo tank containing Jet-A1 fuel ruptured and multiple explosions occurred onboard the tanker, Crowley said.
Crowley is “actively working with public agencies to contain the fire and secure the vessel,” the company said in a statement.
“Our first priority is the safety of the people and environment,” it added.
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch said it has deployed a team to Grimsby, adding, “Our team of inspectors and support staff are gathering evidence and undertaking a preliminary assessment of the accident to determine our next steps.”
A coast guard helicopter has been sent, as well as a fixed-wing aircraft, several lifeboats and vessels with firefighting capabilities, the coast guard said.
“The incident remains ongoing and an assessment of the likely counter pollution response required is being enacted,” the coast guard said in a statement.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
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