A 59-year-old Russian national, identified as the captain of the Solong cargo ship, has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the collision between his vessel and a US-flagged tanker off the north-east coast of England. The incident occurred on Monday, leaving one crew member missing and presumed dead.
The Solong collided with the Stena Immaculate, an anchor was released by the cargo ship’s owner, Ernst Russ, which said the captain is a Russian national. The rest of the crew consists of Russian and Filipino nationals. The U.K. Coastguard saved 36 people on Monday, including all 23 crew members from the Stena Immaculate.
The tanker had been leaking jet fuel into the North Sea, raising concerns for the environment and wildlife. However, its US-based operator said that initial review showed impacts had been limited due to exposure to the fire and evaporation of Jet A1 fuel.
British law enforcement is investigating air quality and environmental impacts in the North Sea and has launched inquiries into how the cargo ship collided with the tanker.
Source: https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/03/12/uk-police-arrest-russian-captain-over-north-sea-ship-collision-a88332