Fire-Damaged Cargo Ship To Be Towed To UK After Deadly North Sea Collision

Cargo Ship Solong — Screengrab from YouTube video posted by Diario AS

A cargo ship involved in a collision with a US oil tanker in the North Sea is being towed to Aberdeen, Scotland.

The Portuguese-flagged vessel, Solong, crashed into the anchored Stena Immaculate on March 10, around 12 miles off the East Yorkshire coast. The impact caused fires and multiple explosions.

The accident led to a major fire on the Solong, which took a week to bring under control. While 36 crew members from both vessels were rescued, one crew member from the Solong remains unaccounted for and is presumed dead.

The Solong’s captain, 59 year old Vladimir Motin from Primorsky, St, Petersburg, Russia, has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter and is set to stand trial in January 2026.

Authorities confirmed that the severely damaged Solong is being relocated to the Port of Aberdeen for safe berthing. Chief Coastguard Paddy O’Callaghan stated that the salvage operation had progressed enough to enable the tow.

The ship is being moved by a tugboat and escorted by another tug, along with a vessel equipped for counter-pollution measures if required. It is expected to reach Aberdeen later this week.

Meanwhile, the Stena Immaculate remains stable, with salvage operations continuing.

Video Credits: Diario AS/YouTube

The Solong released plastic pellets known as nurdles, used in plastics manufacturing. These pellets have been washing up on beaches along the Norfolk and Lincolnshire coasts.

The Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust reported that cleanup efforts have been underway for several days, particularly at Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve, a crucial breeding ground for rare shorebirds like little terns and ringed plovers.

The organization stated that clearing the area before the breeding season, which starts on April 1, is a priority to prevent further disturbance to wildlife.

King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Council has also started removing the plastic debris, initially focusing on the coastline between Holme-next-the-Sea and Old Hunstanton.

The National Trust confirmed that nurdles have also been found on Brancaster Beach, while the RSPB reported sightings at their Titchwell reserve.

Visitors have been advised not to touch the debris.

The Solong is owned by Ernst Russ AG, which confirmed that the vessel will be thoroughly assessed by specialist marine assessors and insurers upon its arrival in Aberdeen.

A company spokesperson praised the efforts of the crew members who acted swiftly and bravely in handling the situation.

References: BBC, Sky News

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