A cargo ship involved in a tragic collision is being towed for assessment in Aberdeen.
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Incident Overview
On March 10, a significant maritime incident occurred off the coast of East Yorkshire when the Portuguese-flagged cargo ship Solong collided with the US-registered oil tanker Stena Immaculate. The collision resulted in extensive damage to both vessels, leading to fires that have since been extinguished.
Tragically, a crew member from the Solong, identified as 38-year-old Filipino national Mark Angelo Pernia, is currently missing and is presumed dead.
Salvage Operations Underway
In response to the incident, the Solong is being towed to the Port of Aberdeen for a comprehensive assessment of the damage.
The UK Coastguard confirmed that the vessel, which is being towed by a tugboat, is expected to arrive at the Scottish port later this week. Chief Coastguard Paddy O’Callaghan stated, “Salvage of the Solong has progressed to enable its relocation to the Port of Aberdeen for safe berthing.” The operation includes additional tugs and a vessel equipped with counter-pollution measures to address any potential environmental hazards.
Legal and Environmental Implications
The aftermath of the collision has raised serious legal and environmental concerns. The captain of the Solong, Vladimir Motin, a 59-year-old from Primorsky, St Petersburg, Russia, has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter and is set to stand trial in January 2026. The collision has also resulted in the release of cargo into the water, including plastic pellets known as nurdles, which have begun to wash ashore, prompting environmental concerns.
Response and Recovery Efforts
In total, 36 crew members were rescued from both vessels, highlighting the swift response from emergency services. A spokesperson for Ernst Russ AG, the company that owns the Solong, expressed gratitude for the efforts of all involved in the response to the incident. They stated, “We are very aware of the efforts and assistance from all those acting in the response. We want to thank everyone who has responded urgently and gallantly to this incident.” As the salvage operation continues, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of the environment and the recovery of the missing crew member.
