Russian Captain Arrested After North Sea Cargo Ship Collision

A Russian captain, 59, has been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter after a devastating collision between the Portuguese-flagged cargo ship Solong and the US-registered tanker Stena Immaculate in the North Sea. The incident occurred on Monday at around 10:00 GMT off the East Yorkshire coast, resulting in a massive fire and multiple explosions.

The Solong and Stena Immaculate crashed while the latter was anchored, awaiting a berth at the Port of Killingholme on the Humber Estuary. The Stena Immaculate was carrying 220,000 barrels of aviation fuel for the US military, while the Solong had a cargo of alcohol. The collision triggered a major response from emergency services, with 36 people rescued and taken safely to shore.

Humberside Police have launched a criminal investigation into the cause of the collision, working closely with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. Det Ch Supt Craig Nicholson stated, "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."

The fire is still burning on the Solong container ship, which was in a collision with the Stena Immaculate oil tanker in the Humber Estuary

The incident has raised concerns about environmental damage, as aviation fuel has begun to leak into the North Sea. The Solong's cargo of alcohol and the risk of sodium cyanide contamination were initially feared, but later confirmed to be minimal. The crash has also sparked worries about the impact on local wildlife, including puffins, razorbills, gannets, and kittiwakes.

As the investigation continues, authorities are working to mitigate the damage and prevent further harm to the environment. The US government has announced its own investigation into the crash, which will work alongside those of the UK and Portugal. The incident has also raised questions about the safety of maritime traffic in the busy North Sea region.

The captain's arrest marks a significant development in the investigation, as authorities seek to determine the cause of the collision and hold those responsible accountable. As Det Ch Supt Nicholson emphasized, "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".

Powered by Froala Editor