Damaged Cargo Ship Solong's Arrival in Aberdeen: Investigation and Environmental Concerns

The Portugal-flagged cargo ship, Solong, arrives in Aberdeen after colliding with a US tanker. The ship sustained visible damage and a week-long fire ensued. The incident led to manslaughter charges against the Solong's captain. Environmental damage was minimal, though nurdles have washed up on English beaches.

The severely damaged cargo ship Solong, which collided with a US tanker in the North Sea earlier this month, has finally reached Aberdeen's harbor. The ship, flying under a Portuguese flag, was escorted by tugboats and docked on Friday for 'safe berthing' and damage assessment.

Chief Coastguard Paddy O'Callaghan announced that the ship would be moved to the Port of Aberdeen after salvage operations allowed it. Meanwhile, the Stena Immaculate, the tanker involved in the collision, remains stable with ongoing salvage efforts. Vladimir Motin, the Russian captain of the Solong, faces 'gross negligence manslaughter' charges following the presumed death of crew member Mark Angelo Pernia.

Environmental impact from the incident appears limited, yet there are concerns as nurdles, used in plastic manufacturing, spill from the ship's ruptured containers and wash ashore on eastern English beaches. Authorities and conservationists are working on cleaning efforts, emphasizing that the pellets, though non-toxic, can pose risks to wildlife.

(With inputs from agencies.)