The crew of the oil tanker Stena Immaculate is being hailed for their bravery after a serious collision with a cargo ship in the North Sea. The incident occurred on March 10, off the coast of East Yorkshire, leading to an explosion and fire on board the tanker. Thankfully, the crew acted quickly, managing to extinguish the flames and protect the vessel.
The Stena Immaculate collided with the Solong cargo ship, which has left one crew member from the Solong missing and presumed dead. The Russian captain of the Solong has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter in connection with the incident.
Following the accident, the owners of the Stena Immaculate praised their 23-member crew for their quick thinking and teamwork. Crowley, the company managing the tanker, shared a photo of some crew members and expressed gratitude for their efforts. They highlighted how the crew’s actions minimized damage and helped to save lives during the crisis.
Reports indicate that tiny plastic pellets, known as nurdles, were released from the Solong’s containers during the incident. These pellets have been spotted on beaches in Lincolnshire and Norfolk, raising environmental concerns. The owners of the Solong confirmed that while no containers were lost overboard, the intense heat from the fire may have caused some smaller containers to open, resulting in the spillage.
The UK Coastguard reported that a total of 36 people from both vessels were rescued and brought to safety in Grimsby. Meanwhile, authorities are monitoring the situation closely, as nurdles can pose a risk to wildlife if ingested.
The RNLI, which coordinated rescue efforts, acknowledged the dedication of volunteer lifeboat crews who braved challenging conditions at sea. The missing crew member from the Solong has been identified as Mark Angelo Pernia, 38.
As investigations continue, the Marine Accident Investigation Branch is working to determine the cause of the collision. The captain of the Solong, Vladimir Motin, is scheduled to appear in court soon as the legal proceedings unfold.