The Co-owners of the Stena Immaculate oil tanker commended the "exceptional bravery" of their crew following a harrowing collision on March 10. The Stena Immaculate was struck by the Solong cargo vessel off the East Yorkshire coast, instigating a significant explosion.
Bravery Recognized: Tanker Crew Commended after North Sea Collision

Bravery Recognized: Tanker Crew Commended after North Sea Collision
In a recent incident involving an oil tanker and a cargo ship in the North Sea, the crew's courageous actions have garnered praise from their management company.
The aftermath has been tragic, with one Filipino crew member from the Solong reported missing and presumed dead, and the captain of the cargo ship facing charges of gross negligence manslaughter. Following the collision, the rapid response of the 23-member crew aboard the Stena Immaculate was crucial in implementing emergency protocols, averting further disaster and environmental damage.
Crowley, the Florida-based shipping company managing the Stena Immaculate, released a photograph of 19 of the crew members on social media, highlighting their teamwork and decisive actions during the catastrophic event. They emphasized the crew’s operational focus in managing the fire outbreak and containment efforts, which limited damage to just one of the vessel's cargo holds, despite the volatile situation.
The coastguard reported that Operation provisions aided in the rescue of 36 individuals from both ships, who were safely brought ashore in Grimsby. Despite the challenges, Chief coastguard Paddy O'Callaghan assured stability in both vessels and the continuing salvage efforts.
The incident has raised environmental concerns as small plastic pellets, known as nurdles, were released from the Solong's containers. While the nurdles are not toxic, they pose a potential risk to wildlife. Shipping company Ernst Russ, operating the Solong, confirmed mitigation efforts were underway in collaboration with the coastguard to address any long-term effects on marine life.
Both Captain Vladimir Motin, now in custody pending trial for his alleged negligence, and the ongoing investigation by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) are pivotal in understanding the circumstances surrounding the collision.
As this story continues to develop, regular updates from the coastguard’s aerial surveillance flights will monitor both vessels and recovery operations in the affected areas. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) reported sightings of nurdles across the coast, emphasizing the extent of the incident's impact on local environments and wildlife.
This incident not only underscores the potential dangers of maritime operations but also the remarkable ability of crews to respond to emergencies with bravery and professionalism.
Crowley, the Florida-based shipping company managing the Stena Immaculate, released a photograph of 19 of the crew members on social media, highlighting their teamwork and decisive actions during the catastrophic event. They emphasized the crew’s operational focus in managing the fire outbreak and containment efforts, which limited damage to just one of the vessel's cargo holds, despite the volatile situation.
The coastguard reported that Operation provisions aided in the rescue of 36 individuals from both ships, who were safely brought ashore in Grimsby. Despite the challenges, Chief coastguard Paddy O'Callaghan assured stability in both vessels and the continuing salvage efforts.
The incident has raised environmental concerns as small plastic pellets, known as nurdles, were released from the Solong's containers. While the nurdles are not toxic, they pose a potential risk to wildlife. Shipping company Ernst Russ, operating the Solong, confirmed mitigation efforts were underway in collaboration with the coastguard to address any long-term effects on marine life.
Both Captain Vladimir Motin, now in custody pending trial for his alleged negligence, and the ongoing investigation by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) are pivotal in understanding the circumstances surrounding the collision.
As this story continues to develop, regular updates from the coastguard’s aerial surveillance flights will monitor both vessels and recovery operations in the affected areas. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) reported sightings of nurdles across the coast, emphasizing the extent of the incident's impact on local environments and wildlife.
This incident not only underscores the potential dangers of maritime operations but also the remarkable ability of crews to respond to emergencies with bravery and professionalism.