At least 32 people have been rescued and brought ashore after an oil tanker and cargo ship crashed off the Yorkshire coast before exploding into a 'massive fireball'. 

US-flagged tanker, MV Stena Immaculate, was hit while at anchor by the Portugal-flagged container ship, MV Solong, off the coast of Humber Estuary, Hull, this morning.

Horrifying footage shows huge plumes of black smoke rising from the scene of the smash, as a large inferno rages out of control 10 miles off the East Yorkshire coast. 

Both ships are now ablaze, with fires also raging on the water - with port bosses saying they spotted a 'massive fireball'. 

A major rescue mission is now underway, with coastguards having issued an urgent call for ships to join the search and rescue effort. 

More than 30 people have been pulled ashore, according to a local port boss.  However, it's unclear how many of the crew from each stricken ship remain unaccounted for. 

Stena Bulk, the owner of the MV Stena Immaculate, said all the crew are safe.

Lena Alvling, general manager for marketing and corporate events, said in a statement: 'Stena Immaculate crew are all safe.'

Helicopters are on the scene where the 600ft-long 'chemical tanker' MV Stena Immaculate remains ablaze.

The vessel's management firm Crowley Maritime have confirmed that the giant tanker was carrying A-1 kerosene-type jet fuel at the time of the collision. 

The Stena Immaculate sustained a ruptured cargo tank after it was crashed into by the Solong, causing 'multiple explosions' and jet fuel to be released into the water, Crowley said. 

The fuel leak raises the possibility of a major environmental catastrophe off the east coast, experts have warned. 

HM Coastguard has said it is assessing the 'likely counter pollution response required' after the collision in the North Sea.

It said in a statement: 'The incident remains ongoing and an assessment of the likely counter pollution response required is being enacted.'

Lifeboats from Skegness, Bridlington, Mablethorpe and Cleethorpes, have been scrambled, as well as a number of firefighters.