LONDON: A bizarre collision between a US-flagged tanker and a Portuguese container ship off Britain’s coast has thrown the maritime community into a state of alarm.

This unsettling incident occurred on March 10, raising numerous questions about navigational safety protocols despite existing precautionary measures, according to maritime insurance experts on Tuesday.

The chemical tanker, Stena Immaculate, which was en route carrying jet fuel intended for the US military, collided with the Solong, a container vessel, in the morning.

The two ships were still ablaze a day later, with the Stena Immaculate sustaining a substantial breach in its hull.

Fortunately, both vessels are anticipated to remain afloat.

Details regarding the incident remain scant, but esteemed maritime specialists have classified this collision as perplexing, particularly noting that the Solong did not appear to have reduced speed prior to impact.

The authorities are now eager to acquire the voyage data recorders from both vessels, which are critical for reconstructing the events that led to the disaster.

Technology may play a crucial role in unraveling the mystery surrounding this collision, as both vessels were equipped with advanced navigation aids including dual radar systems, automated radar plotting systems, and AIS ship tracking technology.

In fact, the Stena Immaculate, built in 2017, passed its most recent safety certification in early 2023, while the Solong, launched in 2005, is set for its safety survey renewal in October.

Historically, significant maritime disasters are uncommon in UK waters.

A notable precedent is the Sea Empress incident of 1996, when over 70,000 tonnes of oil were released into the ocean following its grounding on the Pembrokeshire coastline.

Sources indicate that the Stena Immaculate’s crew maintains that the container ship collided with them while they were at anchor.

However, the Solong’s operators have characterized the event as an outright collision.

In terms of navigation risks, the waters near the North Sea and Humber region often present challenging conditions, yet robust safety measures are implemented by British maritime authorities to ensure safe navigation, particularly in situations of reduced visibility.

While incidents of this nature, especially ones that lead to onboard fires, are relatively rare, they do occur globally.

A similar situation happened in April 2021 when a tanker collided in heavy fog off the coast of Qingdao, resulting in a significant oil spill.

In the immediate aftermath of the collision, concern for survivors is paramount.

Rescuers have successfully retrieved the crews from both ships; however, British maritime minister Mike Kane has reported a somber expectation regarding a sailor from the Solong, who is presumed deceased.

In a surprising twist, British police have apprehended a suspect on charges of gross negligence manslaughter as part of the ongoing investigation, which aims to scrutinize the collision's causal factors comprehensively.

The maritime community is now left grappling with the implications of this rare accident, prompting dialogues about the efficacy of existing safety protocols.

Given Britain's experience as a proficient coastal nation, the authorities are well-equipped to manage any potential casualties and pollution repercussions, with top-tier insurers actively involved.

Stay tuned as this dramatic story continues to unfold – the full investigation promises to reveal the deeper layers behind maritime safety at a critical juncture for the shipping industry!