Cliff Notes – North Sea ship crash
- The US oil tanker Stena Immaculate’s crew activated firefighting systems before abandoning the vessel, limiting damage to just one of the 16 tanks carrying jet fuel.
- A sailor from the Portuguese-registered container ship Solong is missing, presumed dead following the incident, with a large search operation launched but failing to locate him.
- The Solong’s captain has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter and is due to appear in court, while the salvage operation continues with reassurance that there is no immediate pollution threat from the tanker.
Crew of US oil tanker praised as ‘heroic’ | UK News
The crew of a US oil tanker struck by a container ship in the North Sea have been praised as “heroic” for triggering a crucial firefighting system before abandoning the vessel.
A sailor from the Portuguese-registered Solong is missing presumed dead after the collision off the east coast of Yorkshire on Monday morning.
The Stena Immaculate had been carrying 220,000 barrels of jet fuel in 16 segregated tanks, but the maritime company that operates the tanker said only one was damaged thanks to the actions of the crew.
Vice president of the firm Crowley, Cal Hayden, said: “Before being forced to abandon ship, the crew had the dedication and presence of mind to ensure fire monitors were active in order to provide boundary cooling water to the adjacent cargo tanks.
“Their heroic action limited damage to only the cargo tanks impacted due to the collision.”