The Seafarers International Union Shares First-Hand Account of Stena Immaculate Incident

The Seafarers International Union (SIU) recently released a detailed first-hand account from the crew of the product tanker Stena Immaculate, following a collision with a boxship off the coast of the UK last month.

On March 10, the Portuguese-flagged feeder vessel Solong collided with the anchored Stena Immaculate off Hull, UK, causing significant damage to the tanker’s cargo tanks. Crew members onboard the tanker recounted the harrowing experience of the incident.

Crew’s Eyewitness Account

Third mate Jeffrey Griffin, who was on deck at the time of the collision, described the moment when the boxship struck the tanker. Griffin recalled the loud crunching noise followed by a fireball erupting from the impact.

Despite the initial shock, the crew swiftly responded by deploying firefighting measures to contain the flames on deck. The crew’s coordinated efforts managed to suppress the fire temporarily, allowing some crew members to access the deckhouse.

After battling the fire for half an hour, the master decided to initiate an abandon ship procedure as a precautionary measure. The crew mustered at the lifeboat, successfully launched into the water, and were rescued by nearby vessels shortly after.

Recovery and Legal Proceedings

Following the incident, Stena Immaculate will undergo cargo pumping for safety reasons and be towed to Newcastle for further assessment. Tragically, one crew member from the Solong remains missing, and the vessel’s master faces negligent manslaughter charges.

Stena and operator Crowley have filed lawsuits against the owner of the Solong for damages incurred during the collision. The owner, a subsidiary of Ernst Russ, is establishing a claims fund in the UK as legal proceedings progress.

The owner has also initiated a limitation of liability case in UK admiralty court, seeking to cap the total claims amount to the value of the ship and its cargo. Despite the challenges faced, the crew of Stena Immaculate remains resilient and prepared to resume their duties.

This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the risks faced by seafarers at sea and highlights the importance of stringent safety measures and preparedness training in the maritime industry.