On Monday, March 10, 2025, a significant maritime incident occurred in the North Sea off the eastern coast of England. The Portuguese-flagged container ship MV Solong collided with the U.S.-flagged oil tanker MV Stena Immaculate, which was anchored approximately 10 miles from the coast near Hull. The collision resulted in both vessels catching fire and raised substantial environmental and safety concerns.
Details of the Vessels Involved
The MV Stena Immaculate, managed by Crowley Maritime, is a chemical and oil products carrier with a deadweight tonnage of 49,729. At the time of the incident, it was on a short-term charter to the U.S. Navy, transporting jet fuel and marine diesel intended for military use. The tanker had departed from Agioi Theodoroi, Greece, and was anchored in the North Sea awaiting further instructions.
The MV Solong, a 140-meter-long container ship registered in Portugal, has a capacity of 804 TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units) and was built in 2005. Owned by Ernst Russ, a Hamburg-based company, the Solong was en route from Grangemouth, Scotland, to Rotterdam, Netherlands, at the time of the collision.
Circumstances of the Collision
Preliminary tracking data indicates that the Stena Immaculate was stationary at anchor when the Solong collided with its port side at approximately 9:48 a.m. GMT. The impact led to multiple explosions aboard the tanker, resulting in a significant fire and a rupture in one of its cargo tanks containing Jet-A1 fuel.
At the time of the incident, the area was experiencing thick fog, leading to reduced visibility. The UK Met Office had issued a fog warning for the Humber region. However, maritime safety experts suggest that modern vessels are equipped with advanced electronic navigation systems designed to mitigate such conditions, implying that factors beyond visibility may have contributed to the collision.
Rescue Operations
The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency was alerted promptly and coordinated a large-scale rescue operation. Resources deployed included Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) lifeboats from Bridlington, Mablethorpe, Skegness, and Cleethorpes, as well as helicopters and firefighting vessels. A total of 36 crew members from both vessels were rescued and brought ashore, with one individual requiring hospitalization. Unfortunately, one crew member from the Solong remains unaccounted for, and search efforts have been suspended.
Environmental Concerns
The collision has raised significant environmental concerns due to the potential spillage of hazardous materials. The Stena Immaculate’s cargo of jet fuel poses a risk of marine pollution. However, experts note that jet fuel tends to evaporate more quickly than crude oil, potentially mitigating long-term environmental impacts.
Additionally, reports indicate that the Solong was transporting 15 containers of sodium cyanide, a highly toxic chemical that can release hydrogen cyanide gas upon contact with water. The status of these containers remains unclear, and authorities are monitoring the situation closely to prevent any hazardous release.
Investigation and Legal Actions
In response to the incident, British authorities have initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the collision. A 59-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter. The UK’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch is collaborating with international counterparts from the United States and Portugal to conduct a comprehensive inquiry.
Current Status
As of the latest reports, the fire on the Stena Immaculate has been largely contained, while the Solong remains ablaze and is adrift. Tugboats have been deployed to prevent the Solong from reaching the coastline, thereby mitigating further risks to coastal communities and the environment.
Authorities have established a five-mile air and sea exclusion zone around the incident site, which may be expanded if necessary. Environmental monitoring is ongoing to assess and address any potential pollution resulting from the collision.
This incident underscores the critical importance of stringent maritime safety protocols and the challenges faced in emergency response coordination in busy shipping lanes like the North Sea.
