North Sea oil tanker: Captain of cargo ship that crashed into tanker is Russian national
In a statement on Wednesday morning, Humberside Police said: “Detectives are continuing to conduct extensive lines of inquiry alongside partners in connection with the collision between a tanker and cargo vessel in the North Sea, off the coast of Grimsby, north-east Lincolnshire.
“A 59-year-old man remains in our custody, having been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter in connection with the collision.”
One person remains missing and is presumed dead following the incident off the coast of East Yorkshire on Monday morning.
The Stena Immaculate was carrying 220,000 barrels of jet fuel and was operating as part of the US government’s Tanker Security Programme, a group of commercial vessels that can be contracted to carry fuel for the military when needed.
Crowley, the maritime company managing the Stena Immaculate, said the jet fuel was being carried in 16 segregated cargo tanks - at least one of which “was ruptured” when it was struck.
The company said the jet fuel spill from the vessel has had a “limited” impact but it remains unclear how much was released when the ship was hit by Solong.
Crowley said the tanker had been anchored while waiting for a berth to become available at the Port of Killingholme, on the River Humber.
HM Coastguard said on Tuesday evening that some flames were still visible on Solong’s main deck and firefighting efforts were focusing on this area.
It added the Stena Immaculate remains at anchor with safety tug boats and has a “greatly reduced” fire with no visible flames.
The Solong is drifting and on fire, but is no longer expected to sink.
