The Portuguese-flagged vessel, Solong, and the U.S.-registered tanker Stena Immaculate collided on March 10 off the coast of East Yorkshire. The impact caused an explosion and fires on board Solong, which continued to burn for several days before being extinguished.
One crew member, a Filipino national, is missing and presumed dead. The ship’s Russian captain, Vladimir Motin, has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter.
Solong arrived in Aberdeen after a tug-assisted journey that lasted several days. Upon arrival at around 07:15, the extent of the damage was visible from the shore. The vessel is now undergoing a full assessment by marine surveyors and insurers. Its owner, Ernst Russ, appreciated those involved in the emergency response.
Debris from the incident, including burnt plastic pellets known as nurdles, has been washing up along the UK’s east coast.
Meanwhile, Stena Immaculate remains offshore as its cargo of jet fuel is being transferred to another tanker, Fure Vyl, for delivery to Killingholme, Lincolnshire. Once the fuel transfer is completed, Stena Immaculate will be towed to the Port of Tyne for further inspection, expected in early April.
The Port of Aberdeen stated that Solong will be prepared for the next phase of salvage operations. Captain Motin is scheduled to stand trial in January next year.
