North Sea Collision: Arrest and Environmental Risks

A significant collision in the North Sea between the US-flagged oil tanker Stena Immaculate and the Portuguese cargo ship Solong has led to a potential environmental disaster, with one crew member missing and presumed dead. The collision, which occurred while the tanker was anchored, caused fires and explosions as the Solong struck the fuel-laden tanker, rupturing its tank and spilling jet fuel into the sea. A 59-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter, as UK authorities launch a criminal investigation into the incident. Initial concerns that the Solong was carrying hazardous sodium cyanide proved unfounded, with the shipping company clarifying that the containers previously held the chemical but were empty at the time of the incident. Although both vessels are expected to remain afloat, the Solong has been drifting and may sink, while the fires on both ships have largely diminished. The situation remains fluid, with environmental groups on alert for potential harm to marine life and the surrounding ecosystem.