The captain of the Solong, the container ship involved in a North Sea ship collision, is a Russian national, the vessel’s owner confirmed. The maritime accident occurred on Monday when the Solong crashed into the Stena Immaculate, an oil tanker anchored off the coast of East Yorkshire. The shipping company Ernst Russ reported that the rest of the crew consisted of Russian and Filipino nationals.
Authorities arrested a 59-year-old man on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter in connection with the ship accident in the North Sea, according to Humberside Police. The suspect remains in custody as investigators probe the cause of the collision. Representatives are working alongside the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to determine the circumstances that led to the crash.
The Stena Immaculate oil tanker, operating under the U.S. government’s tanker security program, was carrying 220,000 barrels of jet fuel when the collision occurred. The impact triggered fires and explosions, with smoke visible from space.
One crew member remains missing and is presumed dead. Authorities confirmed that one crew member from the Solong has not been found.
The maritime search and rescue operation saved 36 people, while ambulances and emergency response teams were stationed at a nearby port. All 23 crew members of the Stena Immaculate were accounted for, but the search for the missing Solong crew member was called off Monday evening.
Recent port state control inspections revealed that the Solong had previously failed safety checks. In July 2024, an inspection found deficiencies in its emergency steering position communications and compass readings.
Administrators identified ten safety issues, including inadequate alarm systems, poorly maintained survival craft, and fire doors not meeting required standards. Another inspection in Scotland in October 2024 flagged concerns about improperly marked lifebuoys.
The jet fuel spill from the Stena Immaculate was reported to have a limited environmental impact, according to Crowley, the maritime company managing the ship.
Officials stated that most of the spilt jet fuel has evaporated or burned off, and there are no visible leaks from either vessel. The Solong, which had been drifting, has now been secured by tugboats.
Investigators continue to examine the cause of the North Sea ship collision as concerns mount over maritime safety regulations and enforcement.
