Following a dramatic collision in the North Sea, the crew of the Stena Immaculate demonstrated exceptional bravery, leading to minimal environmental impact. As investigations into the incident continue, the maritime community reflects on their courage and the challenges posed by the aftermath.**
Courage Amidst Crisis: Crew of Stena Immaculate Lauded for Bravery During North Sea Collision**
Courage Amidst Crisis: Crew of Stena Immaculate Lauded for Bravery During North Sea Collision**
A maritime incident in the North Sea highlights the bravery of the crew aboard the Stena Immaculate, while investigations unfold following the collision with the Solong cargo ship.**
The co-owners of the Stena Immaculate, an oil tanker involved in a collision with the cargo ship Solong in the North Sea, have released images of the ship’s crew and praised their remarkable bravery. The incident occurred on March 10, resulting in a significant explosion and subsequent fires, which have now been extinguished. Currently, a Filipino crew member from the Portuguese-flagged Solong is missing and presumed dead, and the Russian captain has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter.
In a statement shared via social media, Crowley, the managing company for the Stena Immaculate, expressed profound gratitude towards its 23 crew members. "These mariners displayed exceptional bravery and swift action in response to the allision of their ship," they stated. Their coordinated efforts during the emergency were vital in saving lives, preserving the integrity of the vessel, and minimizing environmental damage.
The company further acknowledged the crew's operational focus, which included activating fire monitors that played a crucial role in limiting damage to just one of 16 cargo holds. In light of these commendable actions, Crowley emphasized that the crew sets a powerful example for the maritime industry as a whole.
On the day of the incident, the UK’s HM Coastguard confirmed that 36 individuals from both vessels were safely rescued and taken to shore in Grimsby. Efforts to contain the environmental fallout are underway as nurdles, small plastic resin pellets, are being collected from Norfolk beaches where they had washed ashore.
Shipping company Ernst Russ, which owns the Solong, stated that some containers onboard contained nurdles that may have spilled due to intense heat during firefighting efforts. They assured that all necessary measures were being taken to mitigate long-term environmental impacts in collaboration with the coastguard.
According to Chief Coastguard Paddy O'Callaghan, both the Stena Immaculate and Solong remain stable, with ongoing salvage operations. As the search for the missing crew member continues, the RNLI has recognized the dedication of local lifeboat crews, who faced challenging conditions throughout the rescue operation.
Mark Angelo Pernia, 38, has been identified as the missing crew member, while Solong’s captain, Vladimir Motin, 59, is set to appear at the Central Criminal Court in London on April 14 following his remand in custody. The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision to determine its causes.
