First report into North Sea collision released
Small pockets of fire had continued for days
Last updated 3rd Apr 2025
Today, the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has published the initial findings of the investigation into the cargo ship which crashed with an oil tanker in the North Sea, off the coast of East Yorkshire.
The collision between the Portugal registered container ship Solong and the USA registered oil/chemical tanker Stena Immaculate happened on 10 March.
The impact between the Solong and the Stena Immaculate caused an explosion and fires and resulted in one fatality.
The ship's Russian captain has since been charged with gross negligence manslaughter.
Rescuers saved 36 crew off both ships involved in the crash.
In the first report released, the investigation branch confirmed "neither Solong nor Stena Immaculate had a dedicated lookout on the bridge".
It went on to say: "The collision breached Stena Immaculate’s No.7 port cargo tank, releasing aviation fuel into the sea and onto the bow of Solong.
"The aviation fuel was ignited by the heat generated by the force of the collision and the resulting fire ignited the contents of containers carried on board Solong.
"The crews of both Solong and Stena Immaculate took immediate action to address the evolving situation.
"Attempts by Stena Immaculate’s crew to fight the fire, and for Solong’s crew to locate the missing able seaman were hampered by the severity of the fire.
"Mark Pernia has not been found and is believed to have died in the accident."
MAIB said it's investigation is 'ongoing' and they will now be looking into navigation and watchkeeping practices on board both vessels.
A report of the investigation will be drafted and will be distributed to key stakeholders for a 30-day consultation period in due course.