Cover image: ©Maritime and Coastguard Agency
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) reported that both vessels involved in the recent collision in the North Sea remain stable as salvors are assessing damage.
According to the latest updates from the HM Coastguard, the Stena Immaculate remains anchored, while the Solong is securely held in place by a tug.
Small fires persist on the Solong’s top deck, but they are being closely monitored and contained with the support of specialised firefighting vessels.
Salvors have been on board to carry out initial damage assessments to secure future safe access to both ships, reported the HM Coastguard.
There does not appear to be any pollution from either vessel, which was confirmed by regular aerial surveillance flights that continue to monitor the situation. A counter-pollution response by the HM Coastguard’s Counter Pollution and Salvage team is in place should it be required.
READ: Thermal camera captures ship collision in the North Sea
Chief Coastguard Paddy O’Callaghan reported that the MCA is working with other partners and “continues to support the joint response to the collision between the Solong and the Stena Immaculate.”
In the meantime, the Magistrates’ Court has granted a further 36-hour custody extension for the 59-year-old Solong’s Captain.
“Detectives are continuing to question him following his arrest on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter in connection with the collision,” Detective Chief Superintendent Craig Nicholson said.
This accident occurred almost a year after the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland collapsed after being hit by a large containership, causing rescuers to hunt for at least seven people in the water.
