Cargo Ship Captain Arrested After Collision Sparks Fire, Fuel Spill Off UK Coast
A cargo ship collision off the coast of England has resulted in a massive fire, jet fuel spilled into the sea, and one person feared dead. The incident, which occurred Monday, involved a U.S.-flagged tanker and a cargo ship. The captain of the cargo ship, a Russian national, has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter by gross negligence.
The cargo ship, named Solong, collided with the MV Stena Immaculate, a U.S.-flagged tanker, that was transporting jet fuel for the American military. The Stena Immaculate was anchored near Hull when it was struck. All 23 crew members onboard the tanker are safe and accounted for, with no reported injuries. The Solong is a Portugal-flagged ship owned by Ernst Russ. The ship’s 14 crew members were a mix of Russian and Filipino nationals. One of them is missing and is presumed dead.
The 59-year-old Russian captain of the Solong is currently in United Kingdom police custody. Ernst Russ confirmed his detention on Wednesday.
The collision sparked a significant fire, and an unknown quantity of jet fuel has been released into the sea. U.K. agencies are closely monitoring air quality and potential public health impacts onshore. Initial reports suggest that the impact of the fuel spill may be limited due to the fire and the evaporation of the Jet A1 fuel.
Crowley Ship Management, the U.S.-based company that manages the Stena Immaculate, stated that the tanker was operating as part of the U.S. government’s Tanker Security Program. This program includes commercial vessels that can be contracted to carry fuel for the military when needed.
Crowley is cooperating with U.K. agencies to support the incident response, salvage operations, and environmental impact mitigation. The company stated that it remains uncertain at this time what volume of fuel may have been released as a result of the incident.
The Solong was drifting and still on fire on Wednesday, but officials believe it is likely to remain afloat.
Prior to the collision, the Solong underwent inspections in Dublin, Ireland, in July and in Scotland in October. The Dublin inspection revealed ten deficiencies, including steering-related safety issues. According to port inspection documents, the ship failed steering-related safety checks, with the vessel’s emergency steering position communications/compass reading unreadable. The inspection also noted inadequate alarms, improperly maintained survival craft, and fire doors that were not as required.
The Scotland inspection in October found two more deficiencies. Despite these issues, the ship was not detained after either inspection.
U.K. authorities have stated that they do not suspect foul play in the crash.
The Stena Immaculate is a 596-foot vessel. Its owner stated Tuesday, that Crowley continues to work closely with U.K. agencies to support the incident response, salvage and environmental impact mitigation operations resulting from container ship Solong striking the Crowley-managed tanker Stena Immaculate while at anchor on Monday, March 10.
The incident raises concerns about maritime safety and the potential for environmental damage from fuel spills. The ongoing investigation will likely focus on the cause of the collision and whether negligence played a role. The condition of the Solong prior to the incident, particularly the previously identified deficiencies, will be a key area of inquiry.
The arrest of the cargo ship captain underscores the potential legal consequences for those found responsible for maritime accidents. The charge of manslaughter by gross negligence carries a potentially severe penalty.
The incident also highlights the importance of maritime inspections and the need for effective enforcement of safety regulations. The fact that the Solong was not detained despite multiple deficiencies raises questions about the effectiveness of the current inspection regime.
The environmental impact of the fuel spill remains a concern. While initial reports suggest that the impact may be limited, the long-term effects on marine life and coastal ecosystems are still unknown. Environmental agencies will continue to monitor the situation and take steps to mitigate any potential damage.
The loss of the missing crew member is a tragic reminder of the risks involved in maritime operations. Search and rescue efforts have been underway, but the individual is now presumed dead. The authorities are providing support to the crew member’s family.
The investigation into the collision is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge in the coming days and weeks. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety and vigilance in the maritime industry. It also emphasizes the need for international cooperation to prevent future accidents and protect the marine environment.
