A Russian national, the captain of the Solong container ship, has been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter following a catastrophic collision in the North Sea.
The incident, which occurred about 12 miles off the East Yorkshire coast, involved the US-flagged Stena Immaculate tanker, leading to one person being presumed dead.
Details of the Collision
The Solong, sailing under a Portuguese flag, was en route from Grangemouth, Scotland, to Rotterdam, Netherlands, traveling at approximately 16 knots (18 mph) when it crashed into the anchored Stena Immaculate. The tanker, carrying jet fuel for the U.S. military, was waiting for a berth in the Humber when the accident occurred.
Following the impact, both vessels caught fire after multiple explosions, prompting an urgent rescue operation. All 36 crew members, including Americans from the Stena Immaculate and Russian and Filipino nationals from the Solong, were safely evacuated.
Investigation Underway
Authorities are actively investigating the cause of the crash. Humberside Police have detained the 59-year-old Russian captain, while the Marine Accident Investigation Branch is conducting a thorough inquiry. Investigators have stated that Russian state involvement is not suspected at this time.
The Ernst Russ Group, the Hamburg-based firm managing the Solong, confirmed the arrest, stating that the crew is cooperating fully with the investigation but declined to comment further.
Environmental Concerns and Fire Containment
There were initial concerns that the Solong was transporting highly toxic sodium cyanide, but authorities confirmed that the ship’s containers were empty. HM Coastguard conducted air quality tests, assuring the public that no hazardous toxins were detected.
Despite a massive fireball consuming part of the 220,000 barrels of jet fuel aboard the Stena Immaculate, the risk of oil spillage into the North Sea remains a concern. A counter-pollution response is in place to mitigate potential environmental damage.
By Tuesday evening, Assistant Chief Coastguard John Craig reported that the fire on the Stena Immaculate had significantly reduced, but salvage operations are ongoing.
Ships Anchored, Further Investigations Ongoing
Although the Solong initially drifted two miles south from the crash site, it is now anchored with tugboat assistance. The Stena Immaculate is also being held in place by tugboats.
Senior Investigating Officer DCS Craig Nicholson stated that the arrested captain remains in custody while authorities continue to gather evidence. “Extensive work is already underway to determine the full circumstances of the incident,” he said.
As investigations progress, authorities are prioritizing maritime safety, environmental protection, and accountability for those involved.
