On March 10, the container ship Solong collided with the oil tanker Stena Immaculate. More than two weeks after the devastating incident, the UK Coastguard reported preparations to tow the container ship to port, with the operation expected to take place later this week.

Following the collision, which triggered fires on both vessels, the Solong was abandoned, and its crew was brought ashore by an offshore service vessel working at a nearby wind farm. One crew member, a Filipino national, went missing. Reports indicate he was working near the bow when the ship struck the tanker. The UK Coastguard led a search but failed to locate the missing seafarer.

After initially drifting in the North Sea, salvage teams secured the still-burning ship with a tow line. It took over a week to extinguish the fire.

Chief Coastguard Officer Paddy O’Callaghan recently stated that progress had been made in stabilizing the Solong, allowing it to be moved to Aberdeen Harbour for safe mooring.

According to the plan, the Solong will be towed by a salvage tug, accompanied by a second tug and a vessel equipped with anti-pollution measures. The UK Coastguard confirmed that pollution control resources will be on standby during the operation.

Meanwhile, local authorities reported ongoing cleanup efforts after plastic pellets washed ashore following the incident.

The Coastguard suggested these pellets likely entered the water during the collision, but the shipowner’s spokesperson denied any containers carrying such material had fallen overboard. Instead, they speculated that some pellets may have been released during the fire. These small plastic granules, measuring 1–5 mm and weighing less than a gram, are used in manufacturing. While non-toxic, they pose a threat to wildlife if ingested.

The status of the Stena Immaculate remains unchanged, with the tanker still anchored. U.S.-based operator Crowley reported that salvage teams identified only one ruptured jet fuel tank as the source of the fire, while the remaining fuel onboard remains stable. The salvage operation, led by Boskalis’ SMIT team, is ongoing, though details have not been disclosed.

Crew members from both vessels have been repatriated to the U.S. and the Philippines. However, the Solong's captain was arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter and remains detained in a UK prison. During his initial hearing, he was told he had been on the bridge when the collision occurred. His next hearing is scheduled for April 14, with a provisional trial date set for January 12, 2026.