Ships continue to burn after North Sea collision sparking fears of environmental damage

British officials investigate environmental damage after cargo ship collision, sparking fires and potential oil and chemical spills.

British officials were concerned about possible environmental damage on Tuesday (March 11, 2025) and looking for answers a day after a cargo ship carrying a toxic chemical hit a tanker transporting jet fuel for the U.S. military off eastern England, setting both vessels ablaze.

Jet fuel from a ruptured tank poured into the North Sea after the Portugal-registered container ship Solong broadsided the US-flagged tanker MV Stena Immaculate on Monday.

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The collision sparked explosions and fires that burned for 24 hours. Footage filmed from a helicopter on Tuesday morning showed the fire appeared to be out on the tanker, which had a large gash on its port side.

British government minister Matthew Pennycook said it was a “fast-moving and dynamic situation”.

He said air quality readings were normal and the coast guards “are well-equipped to contain and disperse any oil spills”, with equipment including booms deployed from vessels to stop oil spreading, and aircraft that can spray dispersants on a spill.

The collision triggered a major rescue operation by lifeboats, coast guard aircraft and commercial vessels in the foggy North Sea.