Russian Captain Charged After Fatal North Sea Ship Collision

The captain of the cargo ship MV Solong faces involuntary manslaughter charges following a collision with a U.S.-affiliated tanker, leaving one crew member presumed dead.

The collision occurred on March 10, 2025, in the North Sea, about 20 km off the Yorkshire coast, involving the MV Solong and the tanker Stena Immaculate.
The captain of the Solong, a 59-year-old Russian national, has been charged with involuntary manslaughter due to gross negligence and is set to appear in court in Hull.
One crew member from the Solong is presumed dead after being reported missing, while the rest of the crew, including five Russians, were unharmed.
The collision caused significant fires on both vessels, which were mostly extinguished by March 13, though minor hotspots remained on the Solong.
Despite initial concerns, surveillance flights confirmed no significant pollution in the area, though a kerosene tank on the Stena Immaculate was damaged.