Preliminary Report Highlights Safety Failures in North Sea Ship Collision

The MAIB confirms lack of dedicated lookouts and patchy visibility as key factors in the March 10 collision, while legal claims and environmental cleanup efforts continue.

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) released a preliminary report on April 3, identifying the absence of dedicated lookouts on both vessels as a major safety lapse.
The collision between the cargo ship Solong and the oil tanker Stena Immaculate caused fires, the presumed death of crew member Mark Pernia, and significant environmental damage.
Legal claims have been filed in the Admiralty Court in London by both vessel owners, with the Solong's captain, Vladimir Motin, facing gross negligence manslaughter charges and awaiting trial in January 2026.
Environmental concerns persist as plastic nurdles released from the Solong have begun washing ashore on Norfolk beaches, posing risks to wildlife and ecosystems.
Salvage operations for both vessels are ongoing, with the Stena Immaculate set to be towed to Newcastle soon, while investigations continue into navigation practices, vessel maintenance, and fatigue management.