LONDON: The captain of the cargo ship MV Solong, involved in the North Sea crash, is a Russian national.
The US-flagged MV Stena Immaculate caught fire after being hit by Solong near the Humber Estuary.
The oil tanker, anchored 10 miles from Hull, was carrying over 200,000 tons of jet fuel.
Both ships used heavy fuel, raising concerns about potential environmental hazards.
The incident occurred on Monday morning, sparking fears of a possible coastal oil spill.
Ship Safety Issues
Ernst Russ, the ship’s owner, confirmed the captain’s nationality and crew composition.
Solong’s crew includes both Russian and Filipino nationals, the company stated.
Past safety inspection reports revealed steering-related deficiencies on the cargo ship.
In July 2024, Irish port officials found its emergency steering communications unreadable.
Additional safety concerns included malfunctioning alarms, survival craft, and fire doors.
Previous Violations
Scottish authorities in Grangemouth found more deficiencies in October 2024.
One violation involved improperly marked lifebuoys, raising concerns about emergency response.
Despite these red flags, the vessel continued to operate without major intervention.
Authorities are now reviewing how these issues may have contributed to the collision.
Investigators are also examining the captain’s role in potential negligence.
Legal Actions
The 59-year-old captain was arrested following the crash and is currently in custody.
Authorities suspect him of gross negligence manslaughter related to the incident.
One sailor remains missing and is presumed dead following the collision.
Humberside Police confirmed that extensive inquiries are being conducted.
The investigation aims to determine responsibility and prevent future maritime accidents.
Environmental Concerns
The Humber Estuary faced fears of large-scale pollution after the collision.
Authorities assured that no major oil leaks had reached the coastline.
However, counter-pollution measures remain on standby for potential environmental threats.
Fires on Solong have been significantly reduced, according to UK maritime officials.
The vessel is no longer expected to sink, though it remains adrift.
Cargo Clarification
Initial fears suggested that Solong carried hazardous sodium cyanide in its cargo.
However, Ernst Russ confirmed there are no loaded containers of the chemical on board.
Four empty containers previously used for sodium cyanide remain on the ship.
These containers will be monitored closely to prevent any possible contamination.
Authorities continue to inspect the vessel’s contents to ensure safety.
Ongoing Investigation
Humberside Police and maritime agencies are leading the collision inquiry.
Investigators are examining whether safety failures contributed to the crash.
Legal experts believe the captain’s arrest signals a serious accountability effort.
Maritime officials stress the importance of enforcing stricter safety standards.
Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
