An oil tanker and a cargo ship collided in the North Sea on Monday. One person is missing and presumed dead, while another has been arrested in connection with the incident.
The alert was raised shortly before 10:00 GMT (11:00 Belgian time) on Monday. A coastguard rescue helicopter, lifeboats, an aircraft, and nearby vessels capable of firefighting have been deployed, the coastguards confirmed in a statement.
The oil tanker is still burning on Tuesday. One crew member is missing and presumed dead. 36 other crew members were rescued. Firefighters have been dispatched to the scene.
One man was arrested in connection with the incident. The 59-year-old is suspected of gross negligence and manslaughter, police said.
Police have not disclosed who the man is or what his role was in the collision. He is in custody and the investigation is ongoing, according to a statement.
The Swedish company Stena Bulk confirmed to AFP that it owned the oil tanker involved in the incident, stating that it flew the American flag and was operated by the company Crowley. It did not wish to comment further.
Press reports say the cargo ship involved is the 'Solong' or 'So Long' and belongs to German company Reederei Köpping.
The British Government says there is "no reason to think" that the fire was the result of a criminal act.
This article was updated to include additional information on Tuesday 11 March 2025.
