Infomarine On-Line Maritime News - UK MAIB interim investigation report – Solong and Stena Immaculate collision interim report

It was bound for Killingholme, England, and was expected to berth on 11 March 2025. The vessel anchored on 9 March 2025 at a location advised by ABP Vessel Traffic Services Humber, approximately 5 miles north of the Humber light float and 2 miles clear of any pipeline. It was one of eight vessels anchored in that area.

Solong departed Grangemouth, Scotland, on the evening of 9 March 2025, en route to Rotterdam, the Netherlands. The vessel was following a route it had used previously. After disembarking the pilot, the master remained on the bridge until handing over to the second officer shortly before 2300 and then retired for rest. At approximately 0130 on 10 March, Solong altered course near Longstone Lighthouse and maintained a heading of 150°, aside from a minor deviation at 0345. By 0700, the master had returned to the bridge as the sole watchkeeper. Visibility in the area at the time was reported to be variable, ranging between 0.25 and 2.0 nautical miles. Neither vessel had a dedicated lookout on the bridge.

At 0947, Solong collided with the port side of the anchored Stena Immaculate while travelling at approximately 16 knots. An able seaman from Solong, Mark Pernia, was reported to be in the forecastle area at the time. Pernia has not been located and is presumed to have died in the incident.

The collision breached Stena Immaculate’s No.7 port cargo tank, resulting in the release of aviation fuel into the sea and onto Solong’s bow. The fuel ignited due to heat generated by the impact, leading to a fire that spread to containers on board Solong. Both crews responded promptly, but the severity of the fire hindered their efforts. The crew of each vessel abandoned ship to lifeboats and were recovered by local boats and emergency responders, coordinated by His Majesty’s Coastguard.

The MAIB’s investigation is examining a range of factors, including navigation and watchkeeping practices, fatigue management, vessel maintenance, the use of the offshore anchorage near the Humber Estuary, and the prevailing environmental conditions at the time. A final report will be issued following a 30-day consultation with key stakeholders.