Perak Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) on Tuesday (18 March) detained a Singapore-flagged bulk carrier for anchoring without permission about 13 nautical miles northwest of Pulau Jarak at 3.30pm on 17 March. 

Perak MMEA director Maritime Capt Mohamad Shukri Khotob said the vessel, Queen Harmony, was operated by an Egyptian captain along with one Russian, two Ukrainians and 17 Filipino crew members. 

Further investigation found that the ship failed to present any documents for permission to anchor and did not report their arrival in Malaysian waters.

The case is being investigated under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952, which carries a fine of not more than MYR 100,000 or a jail term of not more than two years, or both, for anchoring without permission. It is also being investigated for the offence of failing to report its arrival, which carries a fine of up to MYR 5,000. 

Two crew members of the ship were taken to the Perak State Maritime Headquarters for further investigation.

Photo credit: Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency
Published: 20 March, 2025

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Wednesday (19 March) has reminded owners, agents and masters of vessels to stay vigilant from 19 to 21 March due to a north-east monsoon surge. 

“Moderate to heavy showers, and strong winds are expected during this period. Vessels must be properly secured for sea at all times,” MPA said in a port marine notice.

“The life-saving and firefighting equipment onboard must also be in good working condition and in accordance with the International Code for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) regulations,” it said.

“Crew members shall be familiar with all emergency procedures, especially when embarking and disembarking passengers during adverse weather conditions. Vessels should maintain safe speeds, observe International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs).”

Masters of vessels are reminded to keep a safe anchor watch. 

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 20 March, 2025

UK’s Humberside Police on Tuesday (11 March) said it has arrested a 59-year-old man on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter in connection to an allision in the North Sea that left a stationary tanker with at least one ruptured cargo tank, which contained Jet-A1 fuel.

Crowley-managed tanker Stena Immaculate, which was anchored off the North Sea coast near Hull, United Kingdom, was hit by the container ship Solong on 10 March. 

At the time it was struck, the 183-metre Stena Immaculate was carrying 220,000 barrels of jet fuel in 16 segregated cargo tanks. 

In his statement to Parliament regarding the incident, UK’s Transport Minister Mike Kane said a crew member from Solong was still missing and presumed dead after a search and rescue operation ended on the evening of 10 March. 

Humberside Police did not name the man but BBC reported Ernst Russ, owner of the Solong, confirmed that the man arrested is the master of the ship. 

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Superintendent Craig Nicholson, said: “Humberside Police have taken primacy for the investigation of any potential criminal offences which arise from the collision between the two vessels.

“Extensive work has already been carried out, and we are working closely with our partners to understand what happened, and to provide support to all of those affected.

“Following enquiries undertaken by my team, we have arrested a 59-year-old man on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter in connection with the collision, this follows the conclusion of search operations by HM Coastguard for the missing crew member of the SOLONG.” 

Nicholson added: “The man arrested remains in custody at this time whilst enquiries are underway, and we continue speaking with all those involved to establish the full circumstances of the incident.”

Crowley, in its latest update yesterday, said it remained uncertain at the time what volume of fuel may have been released as a result of the incident, but initial review showed impacts have been limited due to exposure to the fire and evaporation of the Jet A1 fuel.

“A fire onboard the Stena Immaculate has greatly diminished with no visible flames. Crowley is continuing to assist response efforts led by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA),” it said.

“The vessel is stationary at anchor and being monitored by Crowley representatives, partners and government authorities, and we are working alongside partners during initial salvage activities.”

Meanwhile, HM Coastguard, said the vessels were interlocked and held in place by the anchor of the Stena Immaculate, before the Solong detached and drifted south overnight. 

“A tow line has now successfully been put in place and a tug is holding Solong offshore in a safer position. There are still some flames visible on the main deck of the Solong and firefighting is focusing on this area. A salvage plan is being developed with the appointed salvors on scene,” Assistant Chief Coastguard John Craig said.

"A second salvage company has been engaged for the Stena Immaculate, which remains at anchor, with safety tugs on scene. The fire on Stena Immaculate is greatly reduced with no flames visible.

"A comprehensive counter pollution response is in place and HM Coastguard continues to make preparations for any pollution that may occur as a result of the damage to the vessels.

"The MCA's (Maritime and Coastguard Agency) concern in relation to tanks on the Solong has reduced with tugs now able to work in close vicinity.”

Craig also said the threat from the previously identified Dangerous Goods on board has reduced significantly.

Related: Tanker and container ship on fire after allision in North Sea; one crew member missing

Photo credit: Humberside Police
Published: 12 March, 2025