The captain of the Solong, the container ship at the centre of the devastating North Sea collision, has been identified as a Russian national, according to the vessel’s owner Ernst Russ Shipping Company. The remaining crew members were confirmed to be of Russian and Filipino nationality.
The revelation comes as Humberside Police confirm a criminal investigation is now underway into Monday’s collision between the Solong and the US-flagged oil tanker Stena Immaculate, which sparked catastrophic fires and a widespread emergency response.
A 59-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter and remains in custody as enquiries continue. Police and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) are jointly leading the investigation to determine how the deadly crash occurred in one of the UK’s busiest maritime corridors.
Smoke Visible from Space as Solong Burns at Sea
The Solong, a Portuguese-flagged container vessel, was engulfed in flames after it struck the anchored Stena Immaculate near the East Yorkshire coast, causing massive explosions. Satellite imagery has shown smoke plumes visible from space, underlining the scale of the disaster.
The Stena Immaculate, operating under the US government’s tanker security programme, was carrying 220,000 barrels of Jet A-1 aviation fuel when it was hit. At least one fuel tank ruptured, triggering the blaze and a limited spill into the surrounding waters, according to operator Crowley Maritime.
One Crew Member Missing and Presumed Dead
Authorities have confirmed that 36 crew members were rescued, including all 23 from the Stena Immaculate. However, one of the 14 crew members aboard the Solong remains missing and is presumed dead, after a search was suspended on Monday evening due to hazardous conditions.
Emergency crews, including the Coastguard, RNLI lifeboats, and helicopters, responded swiftly to evacuate the ships and battle the flames, with ambulances standing by at nearby ports.
Solong Failed Multiple Safety Inspections
In a concerning development, records show the Solong had failed several key safety inspections in 2024, raising questions about its seaworthiness at the time of the crash.
A Port State Control (PSC) inspection in July 2024 identified 10 safety deficiencies, including:
- Steering communication and compass reading systems “not readable”
- Faulty alarm systems
- Improperly maintained survival craft
- Fire doors “not as required”
A follow-up inspection in October 2024 found further issues, including lifebuoys “not properly marked”.
Despite these findings, no formal penalties or corrective enforcement actions were issued.
Investigations Widen
Authorities from the UK, US, Portugal, and international maritime regulators are now reviewing the Solong’s maintenance history, crew protocols, and navigation records, amid speculation that mechanical failures or human error may have played a role in the crash.
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) is also conducting a parallel inquiry from Grimsby, assessing whether modern navigation and safety systems failed during the collision.
Environmental and Strategic Fallout
While the jet fuel spill is currently being described as having a limited impact, environmental groups including Greenpeace UK have raised concerns over the potential threat to North Sea marine ecosystems, particularly around the Humber Estuary and Flamborough Cliffs.
The incident has also spotlighted vulnerabilities in international shipping safety and maritime oversight, particularly with high-risk cargo and older vessels operating in congested sea lanes.
Ongoing Crisis Response
Containment and salvage efforts continue as the Solong remains ablaze and adrift, prompting fears it could drift closer to the coast or further rupture. Emergency responders remain on high alert, with firefighting vessels and containment booms deployed.
More updates are expected as investigators piece together the timeline of events and determine liability in what is now one of the most serious maritime disasters in recent UK waters.
