Humberside Police stated that a 59-year-old man has been taken into custody on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter. One crew member from the Portuguese-flagged Solong is presumed dead, while 13 of the 14 crew members were rescued following the incident.
Ongoing Salvage Operations
Assistant Chief Coastguard John Craig reported that salvage plans are in place for both vessels. Flames remain visible on the Solong, but efforts continue to bring the situation under control. Initially, there were concerns that the cargo ship might sink, but UK Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has since stated that both vessels are expected to stay afloat.
Solong and Stena Immaculate were initially interlocked, held together by the anchor of the US oil tanker. However, Solong later detached and drifted south overnight. A tug line has now been secured to keep the vessel in a safer position offshore. Firefighting teams are concentrating their efforts on the remaining flames on the ship’s main deck.
A second salvage company has been engaged for the Stena Immaculate, which remains at anchor. The fire on board has been significantly reduced, and no visible flames remain. A counter-pollution response is in place, and authorities state that the risk posed by the dangerous goods previously identified on board has decreased.
Authorities, including Humberside Police, salvors, and port officials, continue to monitor the situation and coordinate response efforts to mitigate environmental risks.
Status of Stena Immaculate and Crew
All 23 crew members on board the Stena Immaculate, all American nationals, are currently in Grimsby and are expected to be repatriated. The vessel is owned by Florida-based Crowley, which has yet to decide on repairs and its future location. A crew may be required to remain on board for safety once the vessel is deemed secure.
The Stena Immaculate was on a short-term charter to Military Sealift Command under the US Defense Logistics Agency, Energy—a branch responsible for military fuel logistics.
Further updates on the investigation and salvage operations are expected in the coming days.
