Cargo ship captain held after North Sea collision with tanker. One crew member missing, presumed dead. Investigation ongoing.
The ship, Solong, is drifting and still on fire. It collided with the Stena Immaculate; this US tanker was off Yorkshire’s east coast. Ernst Russ, managers of the Solong, confirmed the captain’s detention and that he is helping with the investigation.
The Transport Secretary spoke on Tuesday, stating the Solong should stay afloat, as people were initially worried it might sink. The coastguard attached a tow line, and the Solong is now in a safer place, as they are planning how to salvage both boats.
Police are investigating the collision in conjunction with the coastguard agency to find the cause. The Marine Accident Investigation Branch is assessing the situation to understand how it happened.
Police are leading the criminal investigation concerning potential offenses from the collision. The arrested man is 59 years old. Police are supporting the missing crew member’s family; he remains in custody during inquiries.
The Stena Immaculate’s manager, Crowley, stated that the Solong hit the tanker while anchored, causing explosions and a jet fuel leak. The tanker had 220,000 barrels of jet fuel, and a tank ruptured when hit.
The tanker is part of a US program carrying fuel for the military and was waiting for a spot at Killingholme port. The Transport Secretary met with the coastguard chief to discuss the response.
The ship owners believe the cyanide containers were empty, and salvors are checking to confirm this. Early signs suggest the ships will float, and the Solong should be towed away so salvage work can commence.
Some flames are still visible on Solong’s deck, where firefighters are focusing. The Stena Immaculate has a small fire, and safety tug boats remain with it, although there are no visible flames currently.
The coastguard is preparing for any pollution. Tugs can now work near the Solong’s tanks since the threat from dangerous goods is lower. Air quality tests showed no toxins ashore, and the Met Office sees no public threat.
The transport minister said something went wrong but there is no foul play evidence. There was a mention that the Solong may have contained sodium cyanide, however, the company denied that isn’t true, and they will monitor the empty containers. A 1km zone surrounds both ships, and the government will recover the lost sailor’s body.