Update from the Chief Coastguard Paddy O’Callaghan: “Both vessels are presently stable and salvors have been on board to carry out initial damage assessments to secure future safe access to both ships.
“The location of the vessels remains unchanged – the STENA IMMACULATE remains at anchor. The SOLONG continues to be held in a safe location connected to a tug.
“Small pockets of fire are still reported to be on the top deck of SOLONG, these are being contained and monitored closely. Specialist vessels are present to support the firefighting effort.
“Aerial surveillance flights continue to monitor the vessels and confirm that there does not appear to be any pollution from either the STENA IMMACULATE or SOLONG.”
Thursday 13 March, 12.35pm
Chief Coastguard Paddy O’Callaghan said: “The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), working with other partners, continues to support the joint response to the collision between the SOLONG and the STENA IMMACULATE.
“The STENA IMMACULATE remains at anchor. The SOLONG continues to be held in a safe location by tug. Small pockets of fire are still reported to be on the top deck of SOLONG and specialist vessels are supporting the firefighting efforts. Salvors will only board the vessels when it is safe to do so.
“Aerial surveillance flights will continue today to monitor the vessels.
“HM Coastguard’s Counter Pollution and Salvage team has a comprehensive counter pollution response in place should it be required.”
Humberside Police statement
Following on from the collision between a tanker and cargo vessel in the North Sea, off the coast of Grimsby, on Monday, 10 March, the 59-year-old man arrested remains in police custody.
Detective Chief Superintendent Craig Nicholson said: “An extension has been granted by the Magistrates’ Court to detain the man in custody for a further 36-hours.
“Detectives are continuing to question him following his arrest on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter in connection with the collision.
“Extensive lines of enquiry by police into any potential criminal offences which arise from the collision between the two vessels are ongoing, whilst partner agencies continue their own assessments of the incident.
“Family liaison officers are supporting the family of the crew member who is missing, believed deceased, and our thoughts remain with them.”
