UK Launches Inquiry into North Sea Incident Amid Extended Detention Proceedings

salvage operations are progressing for the Stena Immaculate and the Solong, while the UK’s Marine accident Examination Branch (MAIB) has detailed its investigative procedures. concurrently, a Magistrate’s Court has extended the detention of the Solong’s captain for further questioning.

The HM Coastguard reports that conditions aboard both vessels remain largely unchanged.The fire on the tanker Stena Immaculate is extinguished, and it remains anchored at its original position post-collision with the containership.

According to HM Coastguard, “small pockets of fire are still reported on Solong’s top deck,” as crews continue their response efforts. The containership is currently secured off England’s coast in what authorities describe as a “safe location connected to a tug.”

Chief Coastguard Paddy O’Callaghan stated in his Thursday update: “Both vessels are stable at this time, and salvors have boarded to conduct initial damage assessments for future safe access.”

The MAIB indicated earlier that it is indeed collecting preliminary data and conducting interviews but will wait until emergency services complete their work before proceeding further. They have been gathering witness statements and digital evidence.

The U.S.National Transportation Safety Board and U.S. Coast Guard have joined these efforts alongside Portugal’s Marine Safety Investigation Authority; however, MAIB confirmed that the UK will lead this safety investigation with support from Portugal and the U.S.,who will act as interested parties.

Germany has provided aerial support including planes and drones for inspections of both vessels (Havariekommando)

This morning, Humberside Police Detective Chief Superintendent Craig Nicholson announced that a 36-hour extension was granted by Magistrates’ Court for questioning an individual in custody.

“Detectives continue to interrogate him following his arrest on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter related to the collision,” Nicholson stated. “Investigations into potential criminal offenses stemming from this incident are ongoing alongside assessments by partner agencies.”

The MAIB plans to conduct thorough inspections once conditions allow, aiming to retrieve Voyage Data Recorders (VDR) from both ships while also examining navigational practices onboard; crew management; vessel maintenance; and environmental factors during the incident.

Inspection underway on Stena Immaculate (Havariekommando)

This incident raises questions about its broader implications. Marcos Alvarez from Morningstar DBRS noted they do not foresee significant impacts on marine insurers’ credit profiles in 2025 but acknowledged activation of various insurance policies including hull, machinery liability, and marine cargo coverage. He estimates liability losses could surpass hull claims costs with total insured losses ranging between $100 million to $300 million likely remaining manageable despite potential significant implications arising from investigations into sabotage or other factors affecting insurance claims related to this event.

crowley Shipping confirmed late Thursday that SMIT teams had boarded the Stena Immaculate but cautioned that completing assessments would take time before finalizing salvage plans with relevant authorities.