North Sea Ship Collision Sparks Fires, Arrest, and Environmental Concerns

A cargo ship struck a U.S.-flagged tanker carrying jet fuel, leading to fires, a presumed death, and ongoing investigations into the cause.

The collision occurred on Monday between the stationary U.S.-flagged tanker Stena Immaculate and the Portuguese-flagged cargo ship Solong off the coast of East Yorkshire.
The tanker was carrying 220,000 barrels of jet fuel for the U.S. military, much of which ignited, causing fires visible from space, though experts say environmental impact has been limited so far.
One crew member from the Solong is presumed dead after search and rescue operations were suspended; 36 others were safely evacuated.
The captain of the Solong was arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter, and early investigations suggest potential safety deficiencies on the vessel, including steering issues flagged in prior inspections.
Authorities are working on salvage plans for both vessels while investigating the collision, with key questions surrounding the Solong’s speed and failure to avoid the anchored tanker.