Cover image: ©AP via The BBC
A thermal imaging camera has captured the recent collision between a cargo ship and an oil tanker in the North Sea, which resulted in a massive explosion.
The footage, recorded by Orca AI and confirmed by the BBC, shows the collision between the Solong and the stationary Stena Immaculate, with flames erupting.
Tracking data suggests the Stena Immaculate was nearly stationary, drifting at just 0.1 knots, while the Solong was moving at approximately 16 knots (around 18 mph) at the time of impact.
The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, but poor visibility due to heavy fog may have played a role. Rescuers described conditions as so dense that they struggled to see anything during initial response efforts, reported the BBC.
Investigators are examining whether navigation failures, human error, or miscommunication contributed to the disaster.
The collision resulted in a tragic fatality, with one crew member of the Solong reported missing and presumed dead after search operations by HM Coastguard were concluded.
