North Sea Vessel Collision 2025-03-11

The shadow Minister thanked the Minister for his statement, expressed concern over potential cargo on the Solong, paid tribute to emergency responders, sought updates on efforts to recover a missing sailor, asked if foul play was being investigated, inquired about environmental impact and counter-pollution measures, questioned steps taken to prevent the drifting of the Solong from running aground, and urged for cross-Government co-ordination and regular updates.

The Chair of the Transport Committee expressed concern over the management of sea routes while the Solong is drifting and asked if further protection will be needed to prevent delays in shipping and protect welfare of seafarers.

The scenes we have all witnessed in news reports are very concerning, and our thoughts are with all those affected and with the family of the crew member who remains unaccounted for. This event reminds us of the risks and dangers faced by those who work in the maritime sector. These men and women often work long, challenging hours, keeping our country and economy going with little—if any—recognition, and we are hugely grateful to them.

I join the hon. Gentleman in paying tribute to maritime workers. Just as they kept us fed, fuelled and supplied all the way through covid, they keep our nation fed, fuelled and supplied every day of every week. I cannot commend them highly enough.

I thank the Minister for his communication with me through this unfolding situation and everybody who has been involved in it. The situation is evolving minute by minute, and I pay tribute to the local RNLI, coastguard and emergency services for their rapid rescue response, and to the local community, who have been heavily involved in readying themselves for any potential ecological or environmental fallout from this incident.

I join the Minister in saluting the heroic rescuers and mourning the loss of the seaman. Mr Speaker, you may share some of my frustration at the lack of communication with Members of this House regarding yesterday’s maritime disaster off the Holderness coast in my constituency.

I welcome the Minister’s timely statement and would like to associate myself with his praise for the swift response of the emergency services and the RNLI volunteers. Over recent years, fishermen along the east coast of Yorkshire have battled to keep going against the background of the effects of the crustacean die-off.

I have been in communication with Liberal Democrat councillors in the East Riding of Yorkshire and also the Liberal Democrat administration in Hull. Yesterday, the leader of the council, Mike Ross, raised the call for a rapid response from Government.

I wish to add my voice to the call made by my hon. Friend the Member for Scarborough and Whitby given the very perilous position of the Teesside and North Yorkshire marine ecosystem following the environmental disaster we suffered in 2021.

I thank the Minister for his statement today and echo his comments about the missing sailor. I also add my thanks to all those who have been involved in the rescue operation, particularly those at the RNLI station in Bridlington.

Expressed concerns about tanker safety off the coast of Orkney and Shetland, urging for a serious look at how to protect coastal communities.

Asked about potential long-term impacts on local community due to pollution and environmental damage following the fire being extinguished.

Praised emergency services for their voluntary work during the incident, highlighting the bravery of RNLI volunteers.

Asked about risk assessments and actions being taken to contain potential pollution along the east coast to Norfolk.

Highlighted local concerns in North Norfolk, requesting assurance that MPs will be kept updated on developments regarding potential pollution.

Questioned the need for an audit of maritime security to prevent such occurrences and suggested ships could be sitting ducks in dense fog conditions.

Inquired about contact with the Scottish Government regarding potential hazards if containers from MV Solong break loose.

Asked whether Royal Navy's involvement might be necessary in extreme circumstances to prevent vessels from running aground.

Pressed for clarity on the cargo of MV Solong and expressed concern about potential pollution affecting marine protected areas, urging immediate action.

Asked about engagement with charities and organisations running bird colonies in affected areas and plans for Scottish Environment Protection Agency engagement if worst-case scenario occurs.

The Minister provided an update on the incident involving the Solong cargo ship and Stena Immaculate, noting that there is currently no information about the cargo of the Solong. He stated that discussions are ongoing with the owners of both vessels to ascertain more details. The Stena Immaculate was carrying 220,000 barrels of A-1 jet fuel. Contingency plans are being prepared based on available information.

The Member thanked the Minister for his statement and raised concerns about potential foreign interference in the incident. He requested an assurance that the Government would undertake an assessment to ensure no hostile state activity was involved.

The Member expressed gratitude towards those who have responded and thanked the Minister for his efforts. He inquired about steps being taken to investigate potential failings in visual observation, radar, or the automated identification system leading to the collision. Additionally, he asked how long-term environmental effects would be managed.