Environmental Disaster Looms as Cargo Ships Collide Off England's Coast

Two ships collided off northeast England, raising environmental disaster fears due to jet fuel and toxic chemical spills. Crews were rescued, but one Solong crew member remains missing. Emergency pollution control measures are underway to protect the North Sea environment and wildlife.

Fires continued to rage off the northeast coast of England on Tuesday after a collision between two ships on Monday. Concerns are growing about potential environmental repercussions due to spilled jet fuel and chemicals carried by the vessels.

The crash led to an evacuation of both crews, with 36 people rescued, though one crew member from the Portuguese-flagged Solong remains missing. The collision involved the Solong and the tanker Stena Immaculate, which was anchored and carrying jet fuel for the U.S. military.

British authorities are on high alert, deploying pollution control equipment like oil spill dispersants and containment booms, to protect the North Sea. The situation is under surveillance, with further investigation led by U.S. and Portuguese authorities. No signs of foul play have been reported.

(With inputs from agencies.)