The Merchant Navy Welfare Board (MNWB) has responded to a major collision in the North Sea between an oil tanker and cargo ship.
The Stena Immaculate – a US oil tanker – was hit by the Portuguese cargo ship, the Solong, while at anchor on Monday morning around 13 miles from the East Yorkshire coast – and both ships set on fire.
The RNLI sent four crews to the scene and 36 people were brought ashore and one was hospitalised.
However, one crew member from the Solong is unaccounted for and the search has been called off.
Responding to the incident, Stuart Rivers, CEO of MNWB, said:
“We are devastated to hear of the collision between an oil tanker ship and cargo ship.
“My heart goes out to all of the seafarers and families affected by this tragic event. Our brave seafarers risk their lives every day to keep global trade moving, and in moments like this, we are reminded of the dangers they face at sea.”
As the umbrella charity for the UK Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleets, MNWB supports 47 member charities across the maritime sector.
Mr Rivers added: “One of our members’ port chaplains is on the scene offering pastoral, spiritual and welfare support to those seafarers affected. We will continue to support our members, colleagues and wider sector during this crisis.”
The MNWB also has 15 Port Welfare Committees and a National Seafarers’ Welfare Board in Gibraltar which act as an information, communication and networking channel between local members and the Board.
One of the committees, which are made up of port authorities, maritime charities, ship owners, trade unions and government representatives, is in Humber which took place just two weeks ago.
