In a dramatic turn of events, authorities arrested the captain of the Portuguese-flagged cargo ship Solong following a collision in the North Sea. The incident occurred on Monday at approximately 10:00 GMT when the Solong, anchored near the Port of Killingholme on the River Humber, collided with the oil tanker Stena Immaculate. The collision sparked a fire onboard the Stena Immaculate, which was carrying 220,000 barrels of jet fuel, and left a crew member of the Solong missing and presumed dead.
The Solong, owned by the German company Ernst Russ, had been waiting for a berth to become available when the accident occurred. Among its crew were nationals from Russia and the Philippines. Despite efforts from HM Coastguard, a crew member from the Solong remains missing after search and rescue operations concluded on Monday evening. The search for this individual continues.
"Following inquiries undertaken by my team, we have arrested a 59-year-old man on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter in connection with the collision." – Det Ch Supt Craig Nicholson
The captain's arrest marks a significant development in the investigation led by Humberside Police. The authority has taken charge of probing any potential criminal offenses stemming from the maritime disaster.
"Humberside Police have taken primacy for the investigation of any potential criminal offences which arise from the collision between the two vessels." – Det Ch Supt Craig Nicholson
The collision's aftermath saw the Stena Immaculate suffering substantial damage with a fire that had "greatly diminished with no visible flames," according to Crowley, the vessel's managing company. Meanwhile, the Solong continued to emit smoke, raising environmental concerns and further complicating recovery operations.
The incident has cast a shadow over the maritime community as safety protocols and procedures come under scrutiny. Authorities are working diligently to piece together the sequence of events that led to this tragic event.
"Following the conclusion of search operations by HM Coastguard for the missing crew member of the Solong." – Det Ch Supt Craig Nicholson
The emotional toll on those connected to the missing crew member is profound. Humberside Police have extended their support to the family during this challenging time.
"Our thoughts are with the family of the missing crew member, and I have appointed family liaison officers to make contact and provide support to the family." – Det Ch Supt Craig Nicholson
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