On March 8, the 99 meter long, 4312 dwt cable laying vessel Cable Vigilance (IMO: 9329930) allided on the Kiel Canal at Holtenau, Germany. The Cable Vigilance was conducting a maneuver at too fast of speed when it struck several floating fenders in front of the southern lock. Reports state the fenders were destroyed, but there were no reports of injuries or pollution released. Authorities stated the Cable Vigilance should have staffed the bridge wing to ensure a better view of the vessel and mooring lines.
On the morning of March 10, the 140 meter long, 9322 dwt container ship Solong (IMO: 9322554) allided with the 183 meter long, 49729 dwt tanker Stena Immaculate (IMO: 9693018) in the North Sea some 10 nautical miles off the Humber estuary near Hull, Lincolnshire, England. The Solong was en route to Rotterdam from Grangemouth, Scotland when it struck the port hull amidships of the Stena Immaculate which was at anchor. Both vessels sustained major damage with the tanker having its tanks ruptured and releasing jet fuel into the sea. After the allision, reports state there were several explosions and fire engulfed the tanker. Observers stated that fuel spilt into the sea has caught fire as well. The crews from both vessels have evacuated and there were conflicting reports of casualties and crew men injured. Latest report states all crew were rescued from both vessels with one crew member injured (subject to be updated later).
UK Authorities dispatched multiple fire fighting vessels aided by the RNLI who launched four lifeboats to the scene. The HM Coastguard
The Stena Immaculate was loaded with jet fuel bound for one of the United States Army military bases located in the United Kingdom. UK Authorities have not released the cause of the allision at this time. Some news accounts suggest the Solong was on autopilot at the time and the vessel never changed course before it struck the tanker. There is speculation that the container ship failed to maintain a proper watch as weather was not a factor in the allision. UK authorities continue to investigate as the situation is ongoing.
On the evening of March 7, the 130 meter long, 7993 dwt container ship Orita (IMO: 9318931) allided with the 270 meter long, 149,686 dwt tanker Mia (unknown registry) in the Marmara Sea some 5 miles offshore of Beylikdüzü, Turkey. The Mia was at anchor when the Orita approached the anchorage and struck the aft port hull of the tanker. The Mia sustained damage with a ballast tank holed and releasing contaminated water into the sea. No reports of injuries on either vessel. The Orita did sustain visible damage, but there were no reports of pollution released from the container ship.
Reports state authorities dispatched tugs to the scene. The tugs ensured both vessels were secure while the Turkish Coast Guard determined the extent of damage to both vessels. Authorities have stated there is no large oil spill from the allision, but there were no details given on how much contaminated water was released. The Orita has been detained at the anchorage while authorities conduct an investigation. The Mia may be part of the Russian shadow fleet and was sanctioned by the United States in 2024 with falsely reporting the vessel was under the Guyana’s registry. The tanker has no listed management and has not been inspected since 2014.
