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Video shows heart-stopping moment cargo ship smashes into US oil tanker sparking blazing fireball in North Sea

NEW footage shows the moment a cargo ship collided with an oil tanker causing a fireball in the North Sea.

The MV Solong smashed into the anchored Stena Immaculate off the coast of Hull on Monday, with both vessels bursting into flames.

Thermal image of orcas in the water.
Footage shows the moment the ships crashed
Ship at sea in heavy fog.
The normal view in the thick fog shows the limited visibility
Aerial view of a burning cargo ship being towed by two tugboats.
Getty
Smoke billows from the MV Solong cargo ship in the North Sea[/caption] Illustration of a map showing the location of a collision between an oil tanker and a cargo ship in the North Sea, along with a photo of the burning ships.

Dozens of crew were forced to flee into the water off the Humber Estuary amid multiple explosions, with the area also shrouded in thick fog.

One person remains missing and presumed dead after a search was called off.

Cops have arrested the Russian captain of the Portuguese-flagged cargo ship on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter.

The US tanker – chartered by the military – was carrying 200,000 tonnes of jet fuel to be used in American warplanes.

The video, taken from another ship at anchor, shows the contrast between thermal and regular footage.

Due to the conditions the crash is only visible in the former.

It comes after balmy pro-Vladimir Putin propagandists have claimed British spies staged the incident in a wild conspiracy theory.

Humberside Police said a 59-year-old is in custody to allow enquiries to take place.

Cops are continuing to speak to those involved to understand what happened after the vessel collided with US-flagged tanker Stena Immaculate.

Salvors are readying themselves to get onboard the tanker this morning, with “no visible flames” present, according to HM Coastguard.

Putin‘s puppets have pushed a crazed conspiracy theory that British spies were to blame for the horror crash.

Russian media commentator Vladimir Kornilov said: “How predictable everything is with the British.

“The arrested captain of the Portuguese dry cargo ship Solong, which rammed an American military tanker off the coast of England just before the [war] negotiations between Russia and the USA, of course, turned out to be a Russian citizen.”

The conspiracy theorist even attempted to claim Moscow would be blamed and said “London would definitely look for a ‘Russian trace’”.

Plenty of unanswered questions remain, including why anti-crash systems failed.

The White House has also not ruled out foul play, according to a senior official.

The 23 crew on board the 50,000-ton Stena Immaculate – a US military vessel – abandoned ship with seconds to spare after it was rammed by the cargo ship Solong.

Millions of gallons of aviation fuel poured into the sea and ignited, creating a massive fireball which suddenly engulfed both vessels.

The entire crew of the Stena Immaculate scrambled for their lifeboat as a series of explosions tore through the ship before incredibly escaping the flames with only their hair singed.

A further 13 onboard the Solong – which is still ablaze – were taken ashore unhurt. A crewmate is missing at sea, presumed dead.

The ship was originally expected to sink, but now both the Solong and Stena are expected to stay afloat.

Tanker crash survivors relive life-or-death scramble in fireball blaze

An American survivor from the Stena Immaculate told The Sun: “It was a bad start to the day, but it ended gloriously. Why? All 23 of us got off the ship without anybody being injured.

“Did I have time to think? Yes, of course I did, because if I hadn’t had time to think, we wouldn’t have survived.

“We drill, we train and we prepare for the unpreparable. We do emergency prep non-stop.

“Drills all the time. And you saw clearly that that worked on our side, regardless of outside uncontrollable forces.

“We’re pleased to be alive. There’s a lot of questions to be answered and that’ll happen in a timely fashion.”

The crewman, who did not want to be named, said the Solong was on autopilot when the crash occurred shortly before 10am on Monday – but added: “Somebody has to be watching the autopilot and no one was.

“It would be like if you were sitting in a car lot on Sunday morning, reading a newspaper or playing with your phone and a car enters on the other side.

“But then the driver falls asleep or he’s doing something else, and the car just goes careening into the other one.

“Who’s at fault? It’s clear they are the ones at fault. That’s all I can say.”

Another US crewman from the Stena Immaculate told how the Solong “came from out of the blue” whilst it anchored 10 miles off the coast of Hull, East Yorks.

There were roars to brace for impact as the Solong careered into its port-side at a speed of 16knots (18mph).

They tried to put out the fire but quickly realised the ship was a goner and clambered into a lifeboat as flames roared uncontrollably around them.

The men were recovering from their horrifying ordeal ashore in Grimsby, Lincs., and are due to give statements to investigators.

Fires aboard both vessels – which collided off the East Yorkshire coast – have continued to burn overnight.

German shipping firm Ernst Russ, which operates the cargo ship confirmed the captain is a Russian national.

It added: “Out of respect for the investigation and all involved we will not comment further at this time.”

Assistant Chief Coastguard John Craig has said salvage companies are at the scene and are developing a plan for both the Solong and the Stena Immaculate oil tanker.

The Solong is currently being held offshore in a safe position by a tug boat.

Mr Craig said: “A tow line has now successfully been put in place and a tug is holding Solong offshore in a safer position.

“There are still some flames visible on the main deck of the Solong and firefighting is focusing on this area.

“A salvage plan is being developed with the appointed salvors on scene.”

Burning ships and large smoke plume over the ocean.
AP
The fire and smoke billowing from the crash site[/caption]
Aerial view of the damaged MV Stena Immaculate tanker at sea.
AP
The damaged MV Stena Immaculate tanker is seen at anchor[/caption]
Stern of the Stena Immaculate cargo ship in Hamilton.
PA
The Stena Immaculate was carrying jet fuel[/caption]

He explained that the fire on the Stena Immaculate has been greatly reduced and that there are “no flames visible”.

Despite this, a second salvage company has been brought in for the US-chartered ship, which remains at anchor with safety tugs on site.

Mr Craig said efforts to stop pollution spreading following the crash were continuing.

He explained: “A comprehensive counter pollution response is in place and HM Coastguard continues to make preparations for any pollution that may occur as a result of the damage to the vessels.

“The MCA’s (Maritime and Coastguard Agency) concern in relation to tanks on the Solong has reduced with tugs now able to work in close vicinity.

“The threat from the previously identified dangerous goods on board has reduced significantly.”

Mr Craig added: “Air quality sampling onshore has shown no toxins and modelling from the Met Office indicates no threat to the public.

“We continue to engage actively with Humberside Police, salvors, the port authorities and other agencies to protect the public and the environment as far as possible while continuing to respond to the developing situation.”

A search for a missing crew member from the cargo ship was called off last night, while Coastguard aircraft monitor the situation.

HM Coastguard said efforts to find the person from the Solong container ship had ended after “an extensive search”, following the ship’s collision with the jet-fuel carrying Stena Immaculate tanker on Monday morning.

Transport minister Mike Kane told MPs on Tuesday that something went “terribly wrong” for the crash to happen and there was “no evidence” of foul play.

He added that the Government would “do everything to recover the body of the mariner”.

The maritime company managing the Stena Immaculate, Crowley, said the vessel was struck by the Solong while anchored off the coast of Hull, causing “multiple explosions” on board and jet fuel it was carrying to be released.

Large fire and smoke plume on the ocean.
PA
A US-flagged tanker collided with the stationary Stena Immaculate[/caption]
Damaged fuel tanker in the sea.
AP
New pictures show the damage caused by the direct hit[/caption]
Cargo ship Solong carrying containers.
AFP
MV Solong was feared to be carrying highly toxic sodium cyanide but its owner confirmed no containers were on board[/caption]

Crowley said it was unclear how much fuel may have been released, but that Stena Immaculate was carrying 220,000 barrels of jet fuel in 16 segregated cargo tanks when it was struck.

At least one tank “was ruptured”, according to the company.

A separate investigation has also been launched by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch and will probe the claims of human error.

Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Superintendent Craig Nicholson said: “Humberside Police have taken primacy for the investigation of any potential criminal offences which arise from the collision between the two vessels.

“Extensive work has already been carried out and we are working closely with our partners to understand what happened, and to provide support to all of those affected.

“Following inquiries undertaken by my team, we have arrested a 59-year-old man on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter in connection with the collision, this follows the conclusion of search operations by HM Coastguard for the missing crew member of the Solong.

“Our thoughts are with the family of the missing crew member and I have appointed family liaison officers to make contact and provide support to the family.

“The man arrested remains in custody at this time whilst inquiries are under way and we continue speaking with all those involved to establish the full circumstances of the incident.”

It was initially reported that the Solong was carrying sodium cyanide, which can produce harmful gas when combined with water.

Owners of the boat, however, have since confirmed this not to be the case.

Four empty containers on board that “previously contained the hazardous chemical” will “continue to be monitored”, it added.

An exclusion zone with a radius of 1km is currently in place around both vessels.

The Solong container ship involved in a collision in the North Sea on Monday is now expected to stay afloat, the Transport Secretary said.

Heidi Alexander said she met with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s chief executive Virginia McVea on Tuesday afternoon to discuss the response to the incident.

She said: “I am reassured to hear indications from the ship’s owners which suggest the sodium cyanide containers were empty and that efforts to confirm this by the salvors are underway.

“I was also pleased to have been informed that early indications suggest that both vessels are now expected to stay afloat and that the Solong can be towed away from the shore, and salvage operations can get under way.

“I will continue to monitor the response and have asked for regular updates, including on any potential environmental impacts, across government and our agencies.”

Helen Jay, of the National Trust, said teams were monitoring the coastline for visible signs of pollution affecting seabirds, sea life and the coast itself.

She said: “Any pollution incident can have a devastating impact on our wildlife and this is a vital time for many migratory birds as they return to our shores for the breeding season such as puffins, terns and gannets as well as marine life including seals, dolphins, fish and harbour porpoise.”

Smoke rises from the MV Solong cargo ship in the North Sea, off the coast of Withernsea, east of England, on March 11, 2025, after it collided with the MV Stena Immaculate tanker on March 10. Fires were raging on Tuesday after a the MV Solong, a cargo ship laden with toxic materials, crashed into the MV Immaculate, a tanker carrying flammable jet fuel in the North Sea, as questions mounted about how the accident happened. There were also growing fears that any spill from the collision could harm the local environment and coastline, home to seals, porpoises and some protected waders and waterfowl. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP) (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Cops continue to investigate the crash
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Ship engulfed in flames and black smoke on the water.
X/Tessaronnews
The horror collision saw flames rip through both vessels[/caption]
A fire-damaged tanker being hosed down at sea.
BBC
Aerial images show the extent of damage to the North Sea oil tanker[/caption]
Burning cargo ship being towed by a tugboat.
AP
The horror crash happened on Monday[/caption]
Oil tanker fire being extinguished at sea.
Getty
Fire and rescue services attend the scene[/caption]


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Kate Moss, Bella Hadid & Paris Jackson lead the pack freeing the nipple in totally sheer dresses at Paris Fashion Week

THERE’S no better place to try daring new looks than at Paris Fashion Week.

As Yves Saint Laurent closed out the event with their Ready-to-Wear Collection, A-listers stepped out in the look of the season – sheer blouses and dress, with nothing on underneath.

Bella Hadid and Hailey Bieber leaving an Yves Saint Laurent after-party.
BackGrid
Bella Hadid didn’t hold back with her outfit as she attended the Yves Saint Laurent after party in Paris[/caption]
Kate Moss at a Saint Laurent fashion show.
Splash
Kate Moss modelled a sheer look as she attended the Yves Saint Laurent Paris Fashion Show event[/caption]
Bella Hadid and Hailey Bieber leaving an Yves Saint Laurent after-party.
BackGrid
Bella Hadid and Hailey Bieber leaving an Yves Saint Laurent after-party[/caption]

The “less is more approach” has been all the rage so far this year, with some Hollywood stars opting for it on the Oscars red carpet.

Kanye West’s ex Julia Fox took it to the extreme once again with a completely sheer gown at the Vanity Fair Oscars event.

So naturally everyone was doing it at Paris Fashion Week too – despite it being a chilly 7C there today.

And in true supermodel form, Bella Hadid knew only how to put her best foot forward this Fashion Week.

The 28-year-old exuded effortless elegance in a fitted sheer black gown with a bold, chunky neckline as she attended the Yves Saint Laurent after-party.

And despite the nippy temperatures, Bella made a daring statement by going completely braless, accessorising her striking look with nothing more than a pair of sunglasses and gold hoop earrings.

Earlier on that day Bella also ditched her bra as she walked the catwalk at Yves Saint Laurent show.

She strutted her stuff down the catwalk wearing a shoulder-padded ensemble for the final night of Paris Fashion Week.

With her hands in her pocket and her hair slicked back, Bella stunned onlookers, baring all in a breathtaking lace dress.

Fashion Week veteran Kate Moss also led the pack today, going braless in a sheer blue spotted blouse, which she layered with a black velvet blazer.

The 51-year-old model complete the look with grey cigarette trousers and a bold pink lip.

Paris Jackson, 26, also jumped on the sheer bandwagon with a black long-sleeved Stella McCartney dress.

She was forced to take to Instagram to defend baring all in the risque number, after facing some backlash.

MJ’s daughter insisted: “It’s not that big of a deal and we’ve got bigger fish to fry, all right?

“Let’s do something for the environment, man. Let’s do something for the planet, man. Stop freaking out about nipples, man!”

Zoe Kravitz, 36, also freed the nipple as she embraced a lingerie-like pale purple satin slip dress.

The cream lace trim meant the Big Little Lies actress’ nipples were also exposed.

She layered the look with a faux fur coat, a crystal bag, strappy heels, and dangly earrings.

Iris Law, 24, stepped out in a bronze semi-sheer dress with metallic detailing.

However, she opted for a more modest take on the sheer trend, opting for more additional layers.

She wore the sheer dress over a red high-neck lace top and polka dot tights, completing the look with gold stiletto heels.

Paris Jackson at the Stella McCartney fashion show in a sheer black gown.
Getty
Paris Jackson defended her decision to wear the see-through Stella McCartney look[/caption]
Zoe Kravitz at a Saint Laurent fashion show.
Splash
Zoe Kravitz showed off an extreme take on the exposed bra trend as she attended the YSL show[/caption]
Iris Law at the Saint Laurent fashion show.
Getty
Iris Law opted for a more reserved version of the sheer trend, layering a red top underneath her dress[/caption]

Charli XCX also went sheer, opting for a shimmering black gown, which featured a short train and red pattern detailing.

However, the award-winning singer completed her outfit with an oversized leather bike jacket, which along with her long dark tresses, helped to somewhat conceal her nipples.

Meanwhile Bella Thorne went braless in a sheer white dress while attending the Atlein Womeswear Fall/Winter 2025/2026 fashion show.

The 27-year-old actress showed off her fit physique in the nearly see-through dress.

She boldly opted out of wearing any undergarments with the all-white look.

With long sleeves, the look featured a ruffle detail wrapped around the long skirt.

Bella completed her look with a statement chunky gold necklace and white heels, opting for a wet hair look and bronze eyeshadow.

Bella Hadid modeling a sheer navy lace dress at Paris Fashion Week.
Splash
Bella Hadid freed the nipple as she walked the runway in a lacey shoulder-padded dress[/caption]
Charli XCX at a fashion show in Paris.
Getty
Charli XCX posed in a sheer black gown, covering her upper half in a leather biker jacket[/caption]
Bella Thorne wearing a sheer white maxi dress and white coat.
Splash
Bella Thorne opted to go without undergarments as she posed in a white sheer maxi dress[/caption]

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Hit nineties talk show return date revealed after 27 YEARS off screen

A NINETIES talk show’s return date has finally been revealed – after 27 years off screen.

The star’s original programme aired on ITV from 1994 until concluding in 1998 but will now return on Channel 5.

Channel 5 logo.
Channel 5
A hit nineties chat show is returning this month on Channel 5[/caption]
Vanessa Feltz on the set of her show, The Vanessa Show.
BBC
Vanessa Feltz is making her daytime comeback on March 24[/caption]
Vanessa Feltz at a red carpet event.
Getty
Her C5 show will run for 70 minutes in duration, airing Monday to Friday[/caption]

Last week the broadcaster announced Vanessa Feltz would return to daytime with her talk show.

Vanessa, 63, previously shared her excitement at the comeback and promised that the show would be led by her audience.

Now it’s been confirmed Vanessa will launch on Monday, March 24 at 12:30pm.

The show has been given a bumper slot by show bosses, running for 70 minutes in length.

It will air Monday to Friday with Vanessa opening the phone lines to the public to get in touch.

Speaking about the show, the broadcaster said: “I cannot wait to get started on this sparkling adventure with Channel 5.

“This show is all about YOU – your stories, your opinions, your emotions, and your triumphs.

“Television’s never been so real, honest, or unpredictable.

“Life isn’t perfect, so let’s not pretend it is – let’s help each other out, have a giggle, and make every show a conversation worth having so kick off your shoes and come and join me for lunch, relax with a bit of me time and let’s have a ball!”

When Vanessa’s original show came to an end on ITV she moved to the BBC.

She presented The Vanessa Show on BBC One from January 1999 until July of that year.

Who are the current presenters of Channel 5 News?

Main Presenters

  • Dan Walker
  • Julian Druker (Stand-in presenter, Correspondent for 5 News)
  • Emma Crosby (Stand-in presenter)
  • Sangeeta Kandola (Lunchtime and weekend)
  • Olivia Kinsley (Lunchtime and updates)
  • Dani Sinha (Stand-in presenter, Lunchtime and updates)
  • Katherine Nash (Stand-in presenter, Lunchtime and updates)
  • Alyx Barker (Lunchtime and updates)
  • Mark McQuillan (Lunchtime and updates)
  • Anila Dhami (Lunchtime, weekend and updates)

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Oasis legend reveals he turned down Celebrity Traitors ahead of band reunion

OASIS singer Liam Gallagher says he was asked to take part in the upcoming series of The Traitors.

The BBC have approached a string of A-list stars to take part in the special celebrity spin-off of the hit show.

Liam Gallagher at the GQ Men of the Year Awards.
Getty
Liam Gallagher says he was asked to take part in the upcoming series of The Traitors[/caption]
Claudia Winkleman in The Traitors promotional image.
PA
Claudia Winkleman is hosting the star-studded special[/caption]

Liam, 52, claims he was one of a handful of big names contacted, many of whom wouldn’t normally be considered for such a show.

He was asked by a fan on Twitter today: “Would you ever wanna go on the show The Traitors?”

Liam immediately replied: “I got asked. I don’t do celebrity.”

With filming set to take place in April, the Mancunian will no doubt be busy with rehearsals for the Oasis reunion tour.

So far the names that have been mooted for the show, which is about to start filming in the Scottish Highlands, have included actor, presenter and comedian Stephen Fry and England rugby ace Joe Marler.

Further high profile figures who were approached for The Traitors, but turned down the show, have included Prince Andrew’s inquisitor, Emily Maitlis.

We first told last January that The Traitors was getting a celebrity spin-off, hosted by Claudia Winkleman.

Former QI host Stephen was the first big name to be approached.

Others in the mix include Clare Balding, Paloma Faith and Tom Daley — with insiders telling The Sun bosses wanted reality TV “virgins”.

A spokesman for the show said: “The Traitors is a game that includes lies and deception, thus it would be foolhardy for any Faithful to speculate before the game has begun.”

We recently told how Celebrity Traitors was flung into chaos after losing two of its all-star cast just weeks before filming begins.

Daisy May Cooper and her brother Charlie gave up their highly-coveted spots on the line-up over concerns about the schedule.

It has left the Beeb with a major hole in the murder mystery as This Country actors Daisy and Charlie were the line-up’s related duo – which is considered integral to the game.

Over 110 million people watched the third series of The Traitors.

How does The Traitors work and who hosts it?

The Traitors first launched in the UK in 2022, after the Dutch format was acquired by the BBC.

Claudia Winkleman is the show’s host, and has now hosted all three series to date.

How does it work?

It is a reality game show that involves 22 contestants, and some of them are chosen to be The Traitors.

The Traitors sees a group of contestants taking part in “the ultimate game of truth and deception”.

The group of contestants are competing for the chance to walk away with a huge cash prize.

While navigating through a series of challenges, the team are also tasked with figuring out who the Traitors are in the group (usually three contestants).

Each night, the Traitors gather to “eliminate” one of the Faithful, removing them from the competition

Meanwhile, the traitors can be “banished” if they’re successfully outed as a traitor by a faithful.

The winners of the show are either the Traitor who remains undetected or the Faithfuls if they successfully eliminate all the Traitors. 

The prize sees the winner could get £120K.

PA
It comes ahead of the Oasis reunion tour[/caption]

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Shock moment hunting influencer Sam Jones grabs baby wombat off distraught mother who gives chase for sick Insta stunt

AN American hunting influencer has sparked outrage after she filmed a video of herself snatching a baby wombat from its mother.

Sam Jones, who claims to be a “wildlife biologist and environmental scientist” posted the, now deleted, video on Instagram capturing the moment she picked up the animal and ran with it as it dangled around in the air.

Woman picking up baby wombat.
Instagram / samstrays_somewhere
The moment Sam Jones picks up the baby wombat as it tries to get away[/caption]
Woman carrying a baby wombat at night.
Instagram / samstrays_somewhere
Jones running with baby wombat as it dangles in her hands[/caption]
Woman holding a baby wombat.
Instagram / samstrays_somewhere
Sam Jones holding the baby wombat to up to the camera as it fiddles in her arms and cries in distress[/caption]

After racing across the road with the startled wombat, Jones held it up to the camera and said: “I caught a baby wombat!”

Meanwhile, the baby wombat’s mother chased after Jones, appearing extremely distressed.

This was noticed by the man filming the video who said: “look at the mother, it’s chasing after her.”

Jones said: “OK mama’s right there and she is p***ed, let’s let him go.”

She then released the joey back onto the side of the road.

The footage has been met with an influx of backlash.

But this is not Jones’ first or only distressing interaction with a helpless animal.

An article the hunting publication Cowboy State Daily, where Jones went by the name of Samantha Strable, reported her goal of hunting her first black bear during the spring bear season in Wyoming.

Jones was also described in the article to have “stalked red stags with a bow in Chile” and slay “a wild pig with a knife in New Zealand.”

Responding to the backlash of her more recent engagement with the helpless wombat, Jones defended herself and claimed she only held the joey momentarily before returning it to its mother.

She wrote: “For everyone that’s worried and unhappy, the baby was carefully held for ONE minute in total and then released back to mum.

“They wandered back off into the bush together completely unharmed. I didn’t think I would be able to catch it in the first place, and took an opportunity to appreciate a really incredible animal up close.”

Despite her defence, outrage at her behaviour has continued to grow, leading her to delete the video from her social media and switch her accounts from public to private.

Affronted Australians have demand that Jones be reported to Australian Department of Home Affairs: “so they can ban her from ever stepping foot in Australia again.”

Others remarked she should be deported and commented: ‘”Arrest. Fine. Deport. Ban.”

Another wrote: “As a wildlife rescuer specialising in wombats I can tell you… that this is an absolutely terrifying experience for mum and joey.”

A third commented: “Oh my god. Why do people feel the need to just insert themselves in nature and desecrate it? Leave them be! This poor mother is trying to protect her young. Disgusting behaviour.”

Baby wombat with its mother.
Getty
A baby wombat eating grass with its mother[/caption]

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