This Monday, a United States tanker and a Portuguese cargo ship caught fire after colliding off the coast of Hull, in the northeast of England. Images released by the UK's state broadcaster, BBC, show the two vessels surrounded by thick dark smoke and multiple flames.
According to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), crew members managed to abandon the vessels, though there is still no information on their current condition. Concerns are focused on the potential environmental consequences of this incident.
Martyn Boyers, director of the port of Grimsby, reported that 32 affected individuals were brought to shore, and there is mention of the possibility that crew members may still be unaccounted for. The Labour party's Transport Minister, Heidi Alexander, expressed her concern and is in contact with rescue services to monitor the evolution of the situation.
"I thank the emergency services workers for their efforts in responding to the incident," commented an official source. A rescue helicopter from the Humberside Coastguard was sent to the area, along with lifeboats from Skegness, Bridlington, Maplethorpe, and Cleethorpes. Additionally, a fixed-wing aircraft from the Coastguard and nearby fire-equipped boats also joined in the rescue efforts.
