Unexplained Collision Raises Environmental Concerns Off English Coast

A collision between a jet fuel tanker and a container ship off England's coast raises environmental concerns. Thirty-six crew members were rescued; one remains missing. The tanker, carrying fuel for the U.S. military, was severely damaged. Salvage teams are on site, and environmental assessments are underway.

Salvage operations commenced for a damaged jet fuel tanker off England's coast following an unexplained collision with a container ship, which threatens an environmental disaster. Crews from both vessels evacuated, with one member of the Portuguese-flagged ship Solong still missing, according to the coastguard.

The U.S. military-bound tanker Stena Immaculate suffered significant fire damage and hull breach, with a visible hole in its side, after colliding with the smaller Solong vessel. A combination of salvage ships, foam, and containment equipment is poised to mitigate potential pollution, according to Dutch marine company Boskalis.

Environmental assessments are in progress, coordinated by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and regional environmental groups, following the crash. British authorities rule out national security threats or malicious intent, leaving crash investigations to U.S. and Portuguese officials.

(With inputs from agencies.)