A damaged cargo ship involved in a fiery collision earlier this month has arrived in Scotland for assessment. The Portugal-flagged Solong, which crashed into a US oil tanker in the North Sea, was towed into Aberdeen on Friday after a prolonged journey assisted by tugboats.
The collision, which occurred on March 10, sparked explosions and a fire that burned for nearly a week. While all but one crew member were rescued, a 38-year-old Filipino sailor remains missing and is presumed dead.
Captain Faces Manslaughter Charges
Authorities have charged the Solong’s Russian captain, Vladimir M., with gross negligence manslaughter. The 59-year-old is set to appear at London’s Central Criminal Court on April 14. Details surrounding the crash remain under investigation, but officials have ruled out any link to national security concerns.
Prosecutors allege that the captain’s actions contributed to the accident, which led to the loss of life and significant damage. While the legal proceedings move forward, marine experts are assessing the full extent of the damage sustained by the vessel.
Salvage and Environmental Concerns
“Salvage of the Solong has progressed to enable its relocation to the Port of Aberdeen for safe berthing,” said Chief Coastguard Paddy O’Callaghan. Meanwhile, the MV Stena Immaculate, the anchored tanker involved in the collision, remains stable, with salvage operations ongoing.
Environmental concerns initially ran high, but the impact appears to be less severe than feared. However, thousands of nurdles—small plastic pellets used in manufacturing—have spilled from the damaged cargo containers and are washing up on beaches in eastern England.
- Conservationists warn that while nurdles are not toxic, they pose a serious risk to marine life if ingested.
- Local authorities are working to remove the pellets, but the extent of the contamination remains unclear.
Insurance and Damage Assessment Underway
The Solong is now undergoing a full assessment by marine insurers and specialists in Aberdeen. A spokesperson for Ernt Russ, the ship’s owner, confirmed that detailed inspections would determine whether the vessel can be repaired or if further action is needed.
As salvage teams continue their work, maritime experts and environmental agencies will monitor the long-term effects of the collision. The incident has reignited discussions about shipping safety and the risks of large vessels navigating busy maritime routes.
