Fires Erupt After Two Ships Collide Off British Coast, Raising Environmental Fears

Fires continued to burn on Tuesday after two ships collided off the northeastern coast of England, sparking concerns about potential environmental damage due to jet fuel and toxic chemicals on board, according to Reuters.

The British Coast Guard confirmed that both crews abandoned their vessels following the collision, with 36 people safely evacuated to shore. However, rescue teams have called off the search for a missing crew member from the Portuguese-flagged vessel Solong.

The tanker Stena Immaculate, carrying jet fuel for the U.S. military, was anchored when Solong struck it, causing a fuel spill in the sea.

The British government stated that pollution containment equipment is ready, and environmental protection agencies are coordinating efforts to mitigate the impact on the North Sea.

Authorities are now assessing the full environmental consequences in collaboration with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and an environmental task force in eastern England.