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North Sea Allision

North Sea Allision

Stena Immaculate
Photo: dailyrecord.co.uk

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.

 

Marmara Sea Allision

Marmara Sea Allision

Orita
Photo: 7deniz.net

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.

Bothnia

Bothnia

Bothnia

On the morning of March 6, the 118 meter long, 8985 dwt tanker Bothnia (IMO: 9485356) allided on Kiel Canal in Brunsbüttel, Germany. The Bothnia struck a bridge near a refinery resulting in 15,000 euros of damage to the bridge. Authorities launched an investigation and found the incident most likely occurred when the Bothnia had left Brunsbüttel.  The crew was unaware of the tanker had struck the bridge. No reports of injuries and no pollution released.