Russian Captain Arrested After Cargo Ship Collision
LONDON (AP) — A Russian national, the captain of a cargo ship involved in a collision with a U.S. tanker, is currently in police custody in the U.K. The incident has raised serious concerns, especially as it has come to light that the vessel, named Solong, failed multiple safety inspections last year. The captain, whose identity has not been disclosed, was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter by gross negligence but has not yet been charged.
Collision Details and Investigation
The cargo ship Solong collided with the MV Stena Immaculate, a tanker transporting jet fuel for the U.S. military, in the North Sea off the eastern coast of England on Monday. The crash resulted in both vessels catching fire, leading to a search for one missing sailor from the Solong, who is now presumed dead. Fortunately, the remaining 36 crew members from both ships were safely rescued without major injuries.
Authorities have stated that there is currently no evidence of foul play related to the collision, and it does not appear to be connected to national security issues. The U.K. Marine Accident Investigation Branch is actively involved in determining the cause of the incident, alongside investigators from the U.S. and Portugal, the countries under which the vessels are registered. The Solong was en route from Grangemouth, Scotland, to Rotterdam, Netherlands, when it struck the stationary tanker, which was anchored approximately 10 miles off the coast.
Inspection records reveal that the Solong had previously failed safety checks in Dublin, Ireland, last July, where inspectors noted ten deficiencies, including issues with steering and alarm systems. A subsequent inspection in Scotland in October identified additional problems, but the ship was not detained after either inspection. As of Wednesday, the Solong remains afloat and smoldering, with officials indicating it is unlikely to sink.
Environmental Concerns and Response
The collision has raised alarms about potential environmental damage, as jet fuel spilled into the sea. Environmentalists have expressed concerns over the impact on marine life, particularly species such as whales, dolphins, and seabirds like puffins and gannets that inhabit nearby coastal areas. However, the U.K. coast guard has reported no new pollution incidents since the initial collision. Greenpeace has suggested that the environmental impact may not be as severe as initially feared, although they caution that the situation remains precarious.
Paul Johnston from Greenpeace Research Laboratories stated, “We’re not quite out of the danger zone yet, but it’s starting to look like an environmental disaster may have been narrowly averted.” He emphasized the significant risks posed by the collision, given the size of the cargo ship and the nature of its cargo. As investigations continue, authorities are closely monitoring the situation to mitigate any further environmental risks.
