Stena Immaculate Crew Lauded for Daring Rescue Amidst Turbulent Waters

On March 17, 2025, an oil tanker named Stena Immaculate collided with the cargo ship Solong in the North Sea, off the East Yorkshire coast. The incident occurred around 10:00 GMT, resulting in one crew member from the Solong, Mark Angelo Pernia, being reported missing and presumed dead.

The owners of the Stena Immaculate, Crowley, commended the crew’s “heroic action” for limiting damage during the incident, which resulted in the loss of 17,515 barrels of Jet-A1 fuel.

The collision between the Stena Immaculate and Solong is under investigation by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB), which aims to determine the cause of the crash. In a statement, Crowley confirmed that salvage experts from SMIT Salvage are assessing the situation onboard. The company emphasized that there is no current concern for pollution from the tanker, according to HM Coastguard.

Following the incident, Crowley reported that the crew activated fire monitors to cool adjacent cargo tanks, which helped limit damage to the affected areas. Cal Hayden, vice president of Crowley, stated that the crew’s actions were vital in mitigating further risks. The company remains committed to supporting environmental remediation efforts in the wake of the collision.

Vladimir Motin, the captain of the Solong, has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter and appeared at Hull Magistrates’ Court. He has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear before the Central Criminal Court in London on April 14. The ongoing investigation and legal proceedings will further clarify the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.

The collision of the Stena Immaculate and Solong highlights the risks associated with maritime navigation and the importance of safety protocols. As investigations continue, the focus remains on determining accountability and preventing future incidents.