Russian Captain of Cargo Ship Arrested After it Collides With U.S. Military Tanker in North Sea

The captain of the Solong container ship, a Russian national has been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter following a collision with the U.S.-flagged oil tanker Stena Immaculate in the North Sea, which caused explosions and a fuel spill.

Humberside Police confirmed the 59-year-old captain was taken into custody on Tuesday, a day after the collision occurred approximately 13 miles (20 km) off the East Yorkshire coast near Hull and Grimsby. Investigators are working with the U.K. Maritime and Coastguard Agency to determine the cause of the incident.

The Stena Immaculate, a U.S.-flagged tanker under the Tanker Security Program, was transporting 220,000 barrels (35 million liters) of Jet A-1 fuel when it was struck by the Solong while anchored off England’s North Sea coast. The tanker was on a 70-day contract with Military Sealift Command, carrying fuel for the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Energy, which manages fuel for the U.S. military. The Tanker Security Program supports military operations during armed conflict or national emergencies. DLA Energy supplies various fuels, including Jet A-1, and was involved in fuel distribution after the Red Hill fuel spill in Hawaii.

MarineTraffic data suggests the Stena Immaculate was anchored and moving at only 0.1 knots when struck by the approaching Solong, which was traveling at approximately 16 knots (18 mph).

The 183m-long Stena Immaculate did not sink due to safety regulations requiring double hulls on bulk carriers over 150 meters. The inner hull prevents leaks if the outer hull is breached, and cargo is stored in separate tanks to maintain stability.

The impact ruptured at least one of the 16 cargo tanks, releasing jet fuel into the sea. Both vessels caught fire, prompting the evacuation of all 36 crew members. One crew member from the Solong remains missing, and search efforts have ended.

Environmental concerns over jet fuel spill

Marine experts warn that the jet fuel spill could threaten protected wildlife along the East Yorkshire coast, including puffins, gannets, and other seabirds that rely on local fish populations. If pollution enters the Humber estuary, it could harm fish stocks and tens of thousands of overwintering birds.

The Solong, a Portuguese-flagged vessel owned by German shipping company Ernst Russ, was carrying multiple containers previously used for sodium cyanide, which releases toxic, flammable hydrogen cyanide gas upon contact with water. The company stated the containers were empty but remain under observation. Initial concerns about a hazardous chemical spill have been dismissed.

Jet A-1 fuel is a kerosene-based hydrocarbon with additives like de-icer and lubricants. Photos show it burning on the water’s surface, requiring immediate action to extinguish and remove it. While it is less likely to coat shorelines or wildlife, it still poses risks by entering the food chain. Authorities may use polyurethane foam to absorb and remove the fuel, as it cannot be diluted and must be actively cleared. Certain bacteria can break it down, but mechanical removal is faster.

The U.K. government is working with the Maritime Accident Investigation Branch to assess the environmental impact and coordinate a counter-pollution response.

Collision investigation underway

Authorities are examining whether human error or poor visibility contributed to the collision.

Investigators believe the collision could have been avoided if radar systems had been properly monitored. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not ruled out the possibility of foul play.

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