Unsolved ship crash off UK coast sparks race for answers

Three shipping and insurance sources told Reuters that the collision between a tanker transporting jet fuel to the U.S. Military and a container vessel off Britain's coastline is an unusual event, which raises questions about what went wrong in spite of safety measures.

Stena Immaculate, the chemical tanker flying the U.S. flag and the Solong container ship flying the Portuguese flag were still on fire Tuesday. A day after a morning collision that left a large hole in the side of the tanker. It is not expected that either vessel will sink.

Little is known so far about the events that took place.

One source, who is a maritime specialist and an insurer with experience in collisions at sea, described the incident as unique. He also said that it was odd that the Solong hadn't slowed down.

The source stated that authorities could begin to answer questions about the incident once they had obtained the voyage data recorders of the vessels.

Another source said that both vessels were equipped with a variety of technological aids. These included two radar systems, automated plotting radars, public AIS tracking systems and VHF radios to contact coastal authorities.

Shipping data revealed that the Stena Immaculate was built in 2017, and it underwent an inspection for safety certification in 2023. Its next renewal is due in 2027.

Data shows that the Solong, which was built in 2005, will be subject to a safety certification renewal survey in October.

Shipping sources say that such accidents are rare off Britain's coastline. The Sea Empress, which sank on the rocks near Milford Haven in Britain's West Coast in 1996 and spilled over 70,000 tons of oil was the worst.

Both the manager and owner of Stena Immaculate said that the container ship struck the tanker while it was anchored, whereas the owner Solong described the incident as an accident.

Safety measures are in place

Shipping sources stated that AIS tracking data indicated the Solong was close to its maximum speed of 18 knots and had sailed through the waters many times.

Although the area of the incident near the North Sea, off the coast of Britain, is known to have rougher weather, depending on the season and the location, there are strict safety measures in place to ensure navigation during times of reduced visibility.

According to a third source who, like the other two, declined to identify themselves due to the sensitive nature of the matter, such incidents are not uncommon in the world, but this incident was "spectacular", because both ships caught fire.

A tanker carrying approximately one million barrels bitumen mixture was involved in an accident near the Chinese port of Qingdao, during heavy fog. Oil spilled into the Yellow Sea.

According to the shipping sources, the first step after Monday's accident would be to address any injuries or deaths and manage the effects of any pollution.

British maritime minister Mike Kane informed lawmakers that both crews were safe, despite the British government's assumption that one Solong sailor was dead.

Stena Bulk - the owner of the tanker - said that search and rescue experts had "been invaluable throughout this difficult situation".

The British police arrested an individual on suspicion of gross negligent manslaughter following the collision. Authorities have also launched a criminal probe into the collision's cause.

Sources said that although the incident was still under investigation, procedures were in place to at least provide a frame.

Third source: Britain is a coastal state that has mastered the art of managing casualties. It also had top-tier insurers on board.

ITOPF, an independent advisory group that provides information on oil spills, has found that in 2024 there will be six major spills and four minor ones. This compares to 18 spills in 2009 and more than 100 in the 1970s. (Reporting and editing by William Maclean, Jonathan Saul)

(source: Reuters)