The captain of the Portuguese-flagged container vessel Solong, which was involved in a collision with the tanker Stena Immaculate in the UK North Sea on 10 March, has been arrested on suspicion of “gross negligence manslaughter”.
The two vessels caught fire after the hull of the jet fuel-carrying tanker was ruptured, leaving one seafarer from the Solong crew missing and presumed dead.
Although yesterday’s estimations suggested that the boxship might sink, the latest developments indicate that both vessels will likely remain afloat. The coastguard said it had attached a tow line to the Solong, which was now offshore ‘in a safer position,’ and that a salvage plan for both ships was being developed.
“The vessel [Stena Immaculate] is stationary at anchor and being monitored by Crowley representatives, partners and government authorities, and we are working alongside partners during initial salvage activities,” stated Crowley, which is the operator of Stena Immaculate.
The US logistics company said: “It remains uncertain at this time what volume of fuel may have been released as a result of the incident, but initial review shows impacts have been limited due to exposure to the fire and evaporation of the Jet A1 fuel.”
Crowley added: “UK agencies are closely monitoring air quality and any possible public health impacts resulting onshore. Both are currently measuring low or within normal levels.”
