A global seafarers' union has called for a transparent and internationally coordinated investigation into a collision between a fuel tanker and a container ship off the English coast that left one person presumed dead.
The accident occurred on Monday when the Solong, a Portuguese-flagged cargo vessel, crashed into the anchored Stena Immaculate, a tanker carrying U.S. military jet fuel. The impact caused large fires and explosions, with dramatic footage showing flames engulfing both vessels.
Authorities confirmed that 36 crew members were safely brought to shore, but one individual remains missing and is presumed dead.
The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF), the world's largest seafarers' union, urged all relevant jurisdictions to work together in determining the cause of the incident.
"There are crucial questions that remain unanswered in the wake of this tragedy, and these must be addressed through a full and transparent internationally coordinated investigation," ITF General Secretary Stephen Cotton said in a statement on Wednesday.
Investigators are expected to analyze factors such as vessel navigation, communications between the two ships, and potential mechanical failures. Maritime authorities from Portugal, the UK, and the U.S. are likely to be involved in the probe.
The accident raises fresh concerns over maritime safety, particularly regarding the handling of hazardous cargo. Industry experts stress the need for stringent oversight to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Read next
08:21
US
The U.S. budget deficit reached $307 billion during President Donald Trump’s first full month in office, marking a 4% increase—an additional $11 billion—over the same period last year, according to the Treasury Department.
07:48
Canada will impose C$29.8 billion in retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods, effective March 13, in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's steel and aluminum tariffs, announced Canadian Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc on Wednesday, March 12.
07:01
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Canada on Wednesday evening (March 12) for the G7 Foreign Ministers' Summit, held against a backdrop of growing diplomatic tensions between the two nations.
03:53
Russian President Vladimir Putin made a surprise visit to troops in the western Kursk region on Wednesday, donning military fatigues and ordering forces to press forward with their advance to fully reclaim the area from Ukrainian control.
03:10
U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin to the White House on Wednesday for the annual St. Patrick's Day celebration, using the occasion to accuse Ireland of benefiting unfairly from U.S. trade policies.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment