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North Sea Vessel Collision 2025-03-11
11 March 2025
Lead MP
Mike Kane
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Climate
Other Contributors: 23
At a Glance
Mike Kane raised concerns about north sea vessel collision 2025-03-11 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The Minister outlined the collision that occurred between the MV Solong and the anchored fuel tanker MV Stena Immaculate off Yorkshire's coast. He thanked all responders and emergency services for their efforts, confirmed the firefighting situation, stated that 13 of 14 crew members from the Solong are accounted for but one is missing and likely deceased, noted that cargo on the Stena Immaculate includes 220,000 barrels of jet fuel, mentioned ongoing counter-pollution measures, established a tactical co-ordination group, deployed marine accident investigation branch, and stated that the Department will work closely with other Government agencies to manage the situation.
Jerome Mayhew
Con
Broadland and Fakenham
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.
Ruth Cadbury
Lab
Brentford and Isleworth
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.
Melanie Onn
Lab
Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes
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.
Graham Stuart
Con
Beverley and Holderness
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.
Alison Hume
Lab
Scarborough and Whitby
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.
Tom Gordon
LD
Harrogate and Knaresborough
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.
Luke Myer
Lab
Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland
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.
Charlie Dewhirst
Con
Bridlington and The Wolds
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.
Orkney and Shetland
Expressed concerns about tanker safety off the coast of Orkney and Shetland, urging for a serious look at how to protect coastal communities.
Martin Vickers
Con
Brigg and Immingham
Asked about potential long-term impacts on local community due to pollution and environmental damage following the fire being extinguished.
Richard Tice
Reform
Boston and Skegness
Praised emergency services for their voluntary work during the incident, highlighting the bravery of RNLI volunteers.
James Wild
Con
North West Norfolk
Asked about risk assessments and actions being taken to contain potential pollution along the east coast to Norfolk.
North Norfolk
Highlighted local concerns in North Norfolk, requesting assurance that MPs will be kept updated on developments regarding potential pollution.
Andrew Murrison
Con
South West Wiltshire
Questioned the need for an audit of maritime security to prevent such occurrences and suggested ships could be sitting ducks in dense fog conditions.
Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey
Inquired about contact with the Scottish Government regarding potential hazards if containers from MV Solong break loose.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Asked whether Royal Navy's involvement might be necessary in extreme circumstances to prevent vessels from running aground.
Ellie Chowns
Green
North Herefordshire
Pressed for clarity on the cargo of MV Solong and expressed concern about potential pollution affecting marine protected areas, urging immediate action.
North East Fife
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.
Calum Miller
LD
Bicester and Woodstock
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.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
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.
Government Response
The Minister confirmed that the Immaculate was carrying 220,000 barrels of jet fuel, clarified that no evidence suggests foul play at this time, stated that counter-pollution measures are being stood by, mentioned that the Solong is drifting and being shadowed by two tugboats, assured that Government agencies are working together effectively, and promised regular updates. The MCA is working at pace to establish the cargo on the Solong. We deployed assets for marine protection at the site and have currently deployed all resources needed to contain the fire and assess environmental damage of any spillage. Provided updates on the incident, prioritised fire extinguishing efforts, assured ongoing assessments of pollution risks, and committed to environmental protection measures once the immediate danger is mitigated. The Minister confirmed that there is currently no sign of pollution from the vessels involved and monitoring is in place. He stated that discussions are ongoing with the owners to ascertain more details about the cargo of the Solong. The Marine Accident Investigation Branch will conduct a full investigation into the incident.
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