- United Kingdom authorities arrested the captain of cargo ship Solong on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter following a collision with a United States oil tanker. The captain, a 59-year-old Russian national, is being held in police custody.
- The Solong collided with the Stena Immaculate in the North Sea, sparking fires and prompting rescue efforts.
- Investigators examined ship logs, radar data and communications to determine the cause of the collision.
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A cargo ship collided with a U.S.-flagged oil tanker in the North Sea on Monday, March 10, setting both vessels on fire. The incident prompting a large-scale rescue operation.
The Portuguese-flagged Solong struck the anchored Stena Immaculate, which was carrying jet fuel for the U.S. military. One crew member from the Solong is missing and presumed dead, while 36 others from both ships were rescued.
The Stena Immaculate had been stationary after arriving from a Greek port, while the Solong was traveling south from Grangemouth, Scotland, to Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Data from MarineTraffic shows that the Solong was moving at about 18 mph when it struck the tanker.
Crew members aboard the Stena Immaculate said the cargo ship “came out of the blue” and that they had only seconds to react before the impact.
Cargo ship captain arrested, investigation underway
U.K. authorities arrested the Solong’s captain, a 59-year-old Russian national, on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter. Police did not disclosed his name, but German shipping company Ernst Russ, which owns the vessel, confirmed his nationality. The crew consisted of Russian and Filipino nationals.
British authorities and investigators from the U.S. and Portugal continue to analyze ship logs, radar data and vessel communication.
The cause of the collision remains unclear, but officials are examining whether heavy fog played a role. Visibility was reportedly low at the time of impact.
A rescuer involved in early search efforts described conditions as so poor that crews “could not see a thing.”
Crew evacuation and fire response
The Stena Immaculate crew attempted to fight the fire before ultimately deciding to abandon ship. Their captain was the last to leave, with flames reportedly moving close to the crew as it made its way to the lifeboats.
Some sailors suffered minor burns, but all 23 crew members from the tanker reached safety.
On the Solong, one crew member remains unaccounted for. The U.K. Coast Guard called off the search Monday night, concluding that the missing sailor was likely dead.
Cargo ship had history of safety violations
Inspection records show the Solong failed multiple safety checks in 2024. A July 2024 inspection in Dublin cited steering issues, malfunctioning alarms and poorly maintained survival equipment.
Another inspection in Scotland in October 2024 found additional deficiencies, however officials there did not detain the vessel.
Officials are investigating whether these past safety issues contributed to the collision.
The Solong remained on fire through Tuesday, March 11, though authorities attached a tow line to stabilize its position. The Stena Immaculate sustained a large gash on its side but remained anchored.
Environmental concerns as jet fuel leaks into the sea
The Stena Immaculate carried 220,000 barrels of jet fuel, and at least one of its tanks ruptured during the crash. While some fuel burned off in the fire, it is unclear how much entered the water.
Environmental experts warned of the high toxicity of jet fuel, which could threaten fish populations, marine mammals and seabirds, including puffins and gray seals that inhabit the nearby coastline.
Initial air quality tests have not detected toxins, and authorities said the risk to public health remains low.
However, local conservation groups warned that the spill could have a long-term impact on marine ecosystems.
The U.K. Coast Guard implemented a one-kilometer exclusion zone around both vessels, preparing for potential cleanup operations.
What happens next?
Authorities continue to assess the environmental impact and monitor both ships for further structural failures. The Solong’s captain remains in police custody as investigators consider charges.
The crash raises concerns about maritime safety in congested shipping routes and the risks of transporting hazardous cargo.
With the Stena Immaculate operating under a U.S. military contract, the incident brings attention to international enforcement efforts and the responsibilities of commercial carriers handling fuel for defense operations.
