Video captures cargo ship colliding with US military fuel tanker in North Sea
A recent video has captured the dramatic moment when a cargo ship collided with a fuel tanker chartered by the US military in the North Sea near England. The collision between the Solong cargo ship and the Stena Immaculate oil tanker resulted in a fire on the Solong and jet fuel spillage into the sea. Tragically, one crew member is still missing and presumed dead as a result of the incident. The video footage, obtained from another ship’s thermal imaging camera, shows the sudden impact between the two vessels, causing an immediate explosion.
While small fires continued on the Solong, the blaze on the Stena Immaculate was successfully extinguished by the authorities. Both ships were reported to be in stable condition at sea following the collision. The 59-year-old Russian captain of the Solong remains in British police custody, having been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence and manslaughter.
Experts analyzing the video footage have noted that there was a lack of evidence suggesting that the cargo ship attempted to evade the collision. Concerns have been raised about the possibility of an environmental disaster resulting from the incident. Commenting on the situation, maritime safety advisor Andy Teasdale highlighted the absence of any avoidance or slowdown from the cargo ship.
Gholam Reza Emad from the University of Tasmania’s Australian Maritime College raised concerns about the possibility of fatigue and tiredness among the crew members of the Solong. Dr. Emad pointed out that the data from the day of the accident indicated a lack of change in course or speed for a prolonged period, suggesting potential negligence or distraction among the crew.
Associate professor Benjamin Brooks emphasized the complexity of factors leading to maritime accidents, often involving human error as a significant component. He explained that situational awareness, or the crew’s understanding of the unfolding situation, is crucial in collision avoidance scenarios.
Moving forward, investigators will examine the data recorders of both ships to determine the sequence of events leading to the collision. Additionally, interviews with rescued crew members and tests for drugs and alcohol will be conducted as part of the investigation process. The vessels’ maintenance records, environmental conditions, and weather at the time of the incident will also be scrutinized by investigators.
As the Solong and Stena Immaculate remain under assessment, salvage crews are preparing to secure the remaining fuel bunkers and move the vessels to a safe port. This operation aims to prevent further damage, contain potential pollution, and aid in establishing the root causes of the collision. The captain of the Solong remains in police custody as the investigation into the incident continues under the supervision of the Marine Accident Investigation Branch.