The container vessel Solong involved in a collision in the North Sea off the Humber Estuary, UK on March 10 with the chemical/product tanker USA-flagged Stena Immaculate managed by Crowley, is unlikely to remain afloat, according to British maritime minister Mike Kane. However, the HM Coastguard said yesterday that a tug is holding Solong offshore in a safer position. Meanwhile, Humberside Police on Tuesday said it arrested a 59-year-old man on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter in connection with the collision.
He wasn’t named by the police, but it said that the man arrested remains in custody at this time whilst enquiries are underway. “We continue speaking with all those involved to establish the full circumstances of the incident.”
In a statement yesterday, senior investigating officer, detective chief superintendent Craig Nicholson of Humberside Police noted: “Following enquiries undertaken by my team, we have arrested a 59-year-old man on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter in connection with the collision, this follows the conclusion of search operations by HM Coastguard for the missing crew member of the SOLONG.
“Our thoughts are with the family of the missing crew member, and I have appointed Family Liaison Officers to make contact and provide support to the family.”
Briefing Parliament earlier on Tuesday, the UK’s Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Security, Mike Kane, said that while all members of the Stena Immaculate crew were safe and accounted for, the search and rescue operations for the missing seafarer from the Solong were called off.
British minister told parliament that the Solong ship “continues to burn” and the HM Coastguard has said “it is unlikely the vessel will remain afloat.”
“Modelling suggests that, should the Solong remain afloat, it will remain clear of land for the next few hours. The assessment of HM Coastguard is, however, that it is unlikely the vessel will remain afloat,” Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Security), Mike Kane, said to the parliament.
Tugboats are in the vicinity to ensure the container vessel Solong remains away from the coast and to respond as the situation develops.
HM Coastguard provided late on Tuesday, March 11, updates regarding the incident mentioning that “A tow line has now successfully been put in place and a tug is holding Solong offshore in a safer position. There are still some flames visible on the main deck of the Solong and firefighting is focusing on this area. A salvage plan is being developed with the appointed salvors on scene.”
Firefighting activity restarted yesterday morning and the fire on the tanker Stena Immaculate appears to be extinguished, the maritime minister said, adding that the “Solong continues to burn.”
“I want to be clear that, while there are a 1000 metre temporary exclusion zones established around both vessels, maritime traffic through the Humber Estuary is continuing,” Kane noted.
HM Coastguard also reported yesterday that the Solong is still alight and the fire on board the Stena Immaculate has greatly diminished. Safety vessels and other vessels with firefighting capabilities are still on scene with more arriving.
The Stena Immaculate is managed by Crowley through a joint venture with owner Stena Bulk USA.
Stena Immaculate is operated and managed by the US-based logistics, marine and energy solutions company Crowley, serving government and commercial contracts.
The president and CEO of Stena Bulk Erik Hånell met with the crew in person on Monday. “While they are all safe and accounted for, naturally they are still processing the events. In moments like these, it’s about being there, listening, and ensuring that our people feel supported,” Stena Bulk said in its statement on Tuesday.
Regarding the cargo on the vessels, the 183-meter Stena Immaculate was carrying 220,000 barrels of jet fuel. The MCA is working at pace to determine exactly what cargo the container ship Solong is carrying.
However, counter-pollution measures and assets are already in place, and both vessels are being closely monitored for structural integrity.
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has deployed to the site to begin their investigation.
Stena Bulk reported on Monday that at approximately 1000 hrs UTC, its oil/product tanker Stena Immaculate (IMO 9693018) was involved in an allision with the container ship Solong (IMO 9322554) while anchored off Hull in the North Sea. As a result of the incident, a cargo tank on the tanker carrying Jet A-1 fuel was breached, and a fire broke out.
The 23 crew of the Stena Immaculate abandoned the vessel and are all safe and accounted for.
Mike Kane in his statement to the parliament on Tuesday said: “Thirteen of the 14 sailors of the MV SOLONG are accounted for. Search and rescue operations for the missing sailor continued throughout yesterday, but were called off yesterday evening at the point at which the chances of their survival had unfortunately significantly diminished.”
HM Coastguard also confirmed that 36 people were brought safely to shore, but as it said, “sadly one crew member of the Solong remains unaccounted for.”
