Seafarers International Union Releases Crew Account of Stena Immaculate Incident

The crew of the Stena Immaculate, a US-flagged product tanker, demonstrated commendable professionalism when their vessel was struck by the Portuguese-flagged feeder Solong in March, as reported by the Seafarers International Union (SIU). The Solong was traveling southbound off the UK coast when it rammed into the anchored Stena Immaculate, leading to fire outbreaks and an emergency evacuation of the crew. Despite the lack of forewarning and poor visibility, the tanker crew managed to fight the fire valiantly and evacuated safely. The follow-up investigation by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) noted the absence of dedicated lookouts on both vessels and emphasized the need to review navigation and watchkeeping protocols. The tragic incident highlights the critical nature of maritime safety protocols. Commentary: While the SIU account focuses strongly on the valor and readiness of the tanker crew, it is crucial to also scrutinize the systemic failures that led to the collision. The MAIB report urges deeper investigations into manning and fatigue management along with environmental factors, which may reveal deficiencies in maritime operations and oversight. An unbiased approach towards understanding the incident may lead to significant safety improvements in global shipping lanes.