North Sea Ship Collision Leads to Criminal Investigation

A U.S. military-contracted oil tanker carrying 220,000 barrels of jet fuel collided with a Portuguese container ship in the North Sea, causing multiple explosions, fires, and leading to the arrest of the container ship’s captain.

Key Insights

The MV Stena Immaculate, carrying jet fuel for the U.S. Navy, collided with the Portuguese cargo ship Solong off the English coast, causing a ruptured fuel tank and multiple explosions.
While all 23 crew members of the U.S.-flagged vessel were safely rescued, one crew member from the Solong remains missing after an extensive search was called off.
The cargo ship was carrying 15 containers of sodium cyanide, raising serious environmental concerns alongside the jet fuel spill in the busy fishing area.
The captain of Solong has been arrested, with authorities suspecting him of gross negligence manslaughter.
U.S. officials confirmed the incident will not affect Defense Department operations or combat readiness.

Collision Details and Immediate Response

On March 10, 2025, approximately 10 miles off the coast near Hull, England, the Portuguese-registered container ship Solong struck the anchored MV Stena Immaculate. The U.S.-flagged tanker, contracted by the Military Sealift Command, was carrying 220,000 barrels of jet fuel at the time of the incident. The impact ruptured at least one cargo tank filled with Jet-A1 fuel, triggering multiple explosions and a significant fire that engulfed both vessels. Now, a criminal investigation is underway as a result of the incident.

U.K. authorities deployed an extensive emergency response, including helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, lifeboats, and firefighting vessels. Thirty-six crew members from both ships were safely brought to shore, with one person hospitalized.

Search and Recovery Efforts

Despite extensive search operations, one crew member from the Solong container ship remains unaccounted for. “One crew member of the SOLONG remains unaccounted for, after an extensive search for the missing crew member sadly they have not been found and the search has ended,” reported Matthew Atkinson, divisional commander for the U.K. coast guard. The Marine Accident Investigation Branch deployed a team to gather evidence and assess the accident’s cause.

Crowley, the company managing the Stena Immaculate, confirmed that all 23 crew members of their vessel were safely evacuated. The company immediately activated its emergency response plan and coordinated with public agencies to contain the fires and secure the vessel.

Environmental Concerns and Military Assurances

The collision has sparked significant environmental concerns, as the tanker was carrying jet fuel and the cargo ship was transporting 15 containers of sodium cyanide. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency is assessing potential pollution response needs, while the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust is monitoring potential impacts on the Humber Estuary’s wildlife. Experts note that jet fuel is considered less environmentally damaging than crude oil due to its rapid evaporation and biodegradation, though Greenpeace and scientists have expressed concerns about toxic hazards to marine life.

U.S. officials have moved quickly to reassure the public that military operations remain unaffected. The Stena Immaculate is part of a U.S. government program designed to supply fuel during conflicts or emergencies.

Investigation Underway

Investigators have been examining the cause of the incident, with UK authorities recently arresting Solong’s captain. Initially, the person arrested was only confirmed to be a 59-year-old man, but later reports revealed that the vessel’s captain is under scrutiny. While no charges have been filed at this time, he is under suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter. Reports indicate he is cooperating with the current probe.

Both vessels remain heavily damaged, with ongoing firefighting efforts continuing as authorities work to prevent further environmental contamination and assess the full extent of the incident. The U.K. authorities have indicated this investigation will be thorough and comprehensive given the potential security implications of an incident involving a military-contracted vessel.