Damaged Cargo Ship Towed to Scotland Following North Sea Collision

A container ship severely damaged in a collision with a U.S. oil tanker in the North Sea has been towed to Aberdeen, Scotland, for safe berthing. The Portuguese-flagged vessel, Solong, arrived at the Port of Aberdeen around 7 a.m. Friday, under tow by one tug and accompanied by another, along with a vessel equipped with counter-pollution measures. The March 10 incident, which occurred approximately 12 miles off the coast of East Yorkshire, resulted in a major fire, the presumed death of a crew member, and a significant environmental concern due to the release of plastic pellets.

Collision and Rescue Efforts

The Solong collided with the anchored tanker Stena Immaculate, triggering fires and explosions. Thirty-six crew members from both vessels were rescued. However, Mark Angelo Pernia, a 38-year-old Filipino national and sailor from the Solong, remains missing and is presumed dead. The crew of the Stena Immaculate were lauded for their "heroic" actions in activating a crucial fire-fighting system before abandoning ship. Despite their efforts, one of the Stena Immaculate's cargo tanks, containing jet fuel, was damaged.

Legal Proceedings

Vladimir Motin, 59, the Russian captain of the Solong, has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter. Motin, from St. Petersburg, Russia, appeared at the Old Bailey and has been remanded in custody. His trial is scheduled for January 2026.

Environmental Impact: Nurdles on the Coast

The collision ruptured containers aboard the Solong, leading to the release of thousands of plastic pellets, known as nurdles, into the sea. These nurdles have been washing up on beaches along the Norfolk coast, prompting a large-scale clean-up operation. King's Lynn and West Norfolk Council are focusing their initial efforts on the beaches between Holme-next-the-Sea and Old Hunstanton. The National Trust reported nurdle sightings on Brancaster Beach, and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) confirmed their presence at the Titchwell reserve. While the nurdles are not considered toxic, conservationists warn they can be harmful to animals if ingested. The company that owns the Solong, Ernst Russ AG, has stated that no containers holding plastic nurdles are thought to have been lost overboard.

Salvage and Assessment

Chief Coastguard Paddy O'Callaghan stated that the salvage of the Solong had progressed sufficiently to allow its relocation to Aberdeen. The Stena Immaculate remains in stable condition, with salvage operations ongoing. Upon arrival in Aberdeen, the Solong will undergo a thorough assessment by specialist marine assessors and insurers, according to Ernst Russ AG.

Counter-Pollution Measures

The vessel accompanying the Solong is equipped with counter-pollution measures to mitigate any potential environmental damage during the towing process. HM Coastguard is supporting local authorities in their response to the pollution, including the nurdles, in Norfolk and Lincolnshire. The Coastguard continues to monitor the overall situation closely.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers and environmental consequences associated with maritime transport. The investigation into the collision is ongoing, and the focus remains on ensuring the safety of the marine environment and holding those responsible accountable.