Great Britain Captain of cargo ship involved in accident is Russian
The captain of the container ship "Solong", which was involved in a collision with a tanker off the British North Sea coast, is a Russian citizen. This was confirmed by the Hamburg-based shipping company Ernst Russ, which owns the ship, when asked by the German Press Agency.
12.03.2025, 13:41
SDA
The shipping company had previously confirmed that it was the 59-year-old man who had been arrested by the police the previous day on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter.
It was still unclear two days after the accident why the two ships collided. According to its operator, the US company Crowley, the US-flagged tanker "Stena Immaculate" was rammed by the "Solong" as it lay at anchor near the mouth of the River Humber. Both ships caught fire and were severely damaged.
"Stena Immaculate" was transporting fuel for the US Air Force
The "Solong" sails under the Portuguese flag. According to British media, there had been complaints about safety on board during recent inspections. The investigations into the accident are the responsibility of the flag states.
The "Stena Immaculate" was sailing on behalf of the US government and was carrying 220,000 barrels (almost 35 million liters) of jet fuel destined for US Air Force aircraft stationed in the UK. At least one tank was damaged.
A total of 36 crew members from both ships were brought safely ashore and one person received medical treatment. One sailor was missing and the search was suspended on Monday evening. The British Under-Secretary of State Mike Kane confirmed that the death of the crew member of the "Solong" is presumed.
