The Stena Immaculate, which is managed by the United States logistics firm Crowley, is part of a fleet of 10 tankers involved in a US government program to supply its military with fuel. The Department of Defense’s “Tanker Security Program,” according to Crowley, “ensures a commercial fleet can readily transport liquid fuel supplies in times of need.”
"A coastguard rescue helicopter from Humberside was called, alongside lifeboats ... an HM Coastguard fixed-wing aircraft, and nearby vessels with firefighting capability," a coastguard spokesperson said on Monday. At least 32 casualties have been brought ashore, according to Martyn Boyers, chief executive of the Port of Grimsby East. Their condition is not immediately clear.
Martyn Boyers, chief executive of the Port of Grimsby East, said 13 casualties were initially brought in on a Windcat 33 vessel, followed by another 10 on a harbour pilot boat. Another nine have since been brought ashore. Mr Boyers said he had been told there was "a massive fireball", adding: "It's too far out for us to see - about 10 miles - but we have seen the vessels bringing them in.