Stricken Cargo Vessel to Be Salvaged and Repatriated Following Fatal North Sea Incident

A cargo ship that collided with a US oil tanker in the North Sea is currently being towed to Aberdeen, Scotland. The incident involved the Portuguese-flagged vessel,Solong,which crashed into the anchored Stena immaculate on March 10,about 12 miles off East Yorkshire’s coast. This collision sparked important fires and multiple explosions.

The aftermath of this accident was severe; it took an entire week for firefighters to control the blaze aboard the Solong. While all but one of the crew members from both ships were rescued—36 in total—one individual from the Solong is still missing and presumed dead.

Captain Vladimir Motin, a 59-year-old from Primorsky in St. Petersburg, Russia, faces charges of gross negligence manslaughter and is scheduled for trial in January 2026.

Authorities have confirmed that due to progress made during salvage operations, they are now towing the severely damaged Solong to Aberdeen’s port for safe docking. Chief Coastguard Paddy O’Callaghan noted that a tugboat is handling the tow while another accompanies it along with a vessel ready for any pollution response if necessary.The ship should arrive later this week.

On another note, salvage efforts continue on board Stena immaculate as it remains stable following its encounter with Solong.

In an unfortunate twist related to this incident, plastic pellets known as nurdles—used extensively in plastic manufacturing—have begun washing ashore along Norfolk and Lincolnshire beaches. Cleanup operations have been ramping up at locations like Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve—a vital breeding habitat for endangered shorebirds such as little terns and ringed plovers—as reported by Lincolnshire wildlife Trust.

With breeding season approaching on April 1st, clearing these nurdles has become urgent to minimize disruption to local wildlife populations.King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Council has also joined efforts by focusing cleanup activities between Holme-next-the-Sea and Old Hunstanton beaches.

The National Trust has confirmed sightings of nurdles at Brancaster Beach too; meanwhile,RSPB noted their presence at Titchwell reserve.visitors are advised against touching any debris found on these shores.

Ernst Russ AG owns the Solong and plans thorough evaluations by marine specialists upon its arrival in aberdeen. A spokesperson expressed gratitude towards crew members who acted decisively during this crisis situation.

References: BBC News & Sky News