# Stena Immaculate on fire off UK **URL:** \ **Category:** Professional Mariner Forum\ **Created:** [March 10, 2025, 12:53pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/stena-immaculate-on-fire-off-uk/72072 "2025-03-10T12:53:59Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![New3M](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.gcaptain.com/new3m/32/394_2.png) [@New3M](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/New3M)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2025, 6:03pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/stena-immaculate-on-fire-off-uk/72072/61 "2025-03-11T18:03:41Z")
> [@yacht\_sailor](#): > > ONE person fell asleep and let the ship cruise on in to an anchorage? Yup. 1 person on the bridge is not uncommon during the day. The AB was probably working on deck. ---
**Author:** ![Hogsnort](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/ba8739/32.png) [@Hogsnort](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Hogsnort)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2025, 6:13pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/stena-immaculate-on-fire-off-uk/72072/62 "2025-03-11T18:13:39Z")
You are correct but the AB was probably in the mess room at 10:00. I’ve never been up the Humber but I am aware it is a busy port. If you were at anchor off Singapore and started broadcasting over VHF and doing all the other things that some are suggesting every time a ship was within 5 miles on a collision course it would take less than an hour to become very unpopular. ---
**Author:** ![Fred-ExOffcr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ee7513/32.png) [@Fred-ExOffcr](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Fred-ExOffcr)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2025, 6:24pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/stena-immaculate-on-fire-off-uk/72072/63 "2025-03-11T18:24:04Z")
First, the USS harry S. Truman was hit by a merchant ship on February 12 and took her out of service for a week. Now, another merchant ship hits a US flagged tanker at anchor carrying Dept of Defense Jet Fuel…another coincidence? Look at all that wartime fuel lost. With today’s sophisticated navigation systems installed in all these cargo ships to protect their multi-million dollar freight noway this was an "accident! ---
**Author:** ![yacht\_sailor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/ed655f/32.png) [@yacht\_sailor](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/yacht_sailor)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2025, 6:31pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/stena-immaculate-on-fire-off-uk/72072/64 "2025-03-11T18:31:12Z")
They were anchored. I am not sure their nav gear was going to help them much if they can’t move. ---
**Author:** ![spowiednick](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.gcaptain.com/spowiednick/32/35668_2.png) [@spowiednick](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/spowiednick)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2025, 7:51pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/stena-immaculate-on-fire-off-uk/72072/65 "2025-03-11T19:51:02Z")
QUOTE: Data from MarineTraffic suggested one ship was moving and the other was nearly stationary when the collision happened. **The Stena Immaculate was drifting at a speed of 0.1 knots at 09:48** GMT, while the Solong approached from the north at a speed of 16 knots. END QUOTE To drift or not to drift? This is the question. Looking for some clear pics/videos showing the anchor/anchors were deployed. All I found have the bow section covered with some useless comment. ---
**Author:** ![New3M](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.gcaptain.com/new3m/32/394_2.png) [@New3M](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/New3M)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2025, 7:51pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/stena-immaculate-on-fire-off-uk/72072/66 "2025-03-11T19:51:43Z")
Clearly they were not drifting. ---
**Author:** ![Fred-ExOffcr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ee7513/32.png) [@Fred-ExOffcr](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Fred-ExOffcr)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2025, 8:05pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/stena-immaculate-on-fire-off-uk/72072/67 "2025-03-11T20:05:18Z")
I was referring to the merchant ship that was moving. ---
**Author:** ![Scapla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/da6949/32.png) [@Scapla](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Scapla)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2025, 8:15pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/stena-immaculate-on-fire-off-uk/72072/68 "2025-03-11T20:15:56Z")
That is not a drifting area. Far too much tidal current. Have called to the Humber countless times and never attempted drifting there, neither observed anyone else doing so. ---
**Author:** ![ombugge](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.gcaptain.com/ombugge/32/11217_2.png) [@ombugge](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/ombugge)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2025, 8:18pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/stena-immaculate-on-fire-off-uk/72072/69 "2025-03-11T20:18:03Z")
As usual it is the Master that has been arrested as he hold ultimate responsibility for everything that happen on his ship: > **[Captain of Portuguese cargo ship arrested over North Sea crash](https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/news/grimsby-news/captain-portuguese-cargo-ship-arrested-10014898)** > > It's also been confirmed that there is no evidence so far of any of the heavy engine oil leaking from either ship In this case he MAY also have been the OOW, (??) PS\> It is not unusual on short sea ship of this type/size that the Master stand a navigation watch, in which case that is likely the 08-12 (or 06-12) watch. (Depending on whether 2- or 3-watch system) Latest updates from the same source: > **[Everything we know on day two of the North Sea ship crash after major updates](https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/news/grimsby-news/north-sea-crash-latest-updates-10014813)** > > The aftermath of Monday's tragedy is complex as new details emerge ![image](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/uploads/gcaptain_maritime_forum/original/3X/c/f/cfa39bbe6f28c27b110b241c911f583a5d15af1f.jpeg) MV Stena Immaculate appears badly damaged after the crash (Image: Danny Lawson/PA Wire) It appears that only one cargo tank has been breached, Thus most of the leaked Jet A-1 fuel is likely to have been burnt up, or evaporated, so the risk of wide spread pollution is mainly media hype. ![image](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/uploads/gcaptain_maritime_forum/original/3X/1/1/1171440b40d7b12e4448e2ed8e33af69559f8b6e.jpeg) Tug boats shadow the Solong container ship as it drifts in the Humber estuary, off the coast of Withernsea (Image: Danny Lawson/PA Wire) > **[Stricken cargo ship seen from Lincolnshire coast amid fears it will sink](https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/news/grimsby-news/view-stricken-cargo-ship-lincolnshire-10014666)** > > "Public health risk on shore is currently deemed to be very low". The Stena Immaculate was NOT at a designated anchorage and the Solong was NOT steaming through a crowded anchorage, or restricted area: > [@](#): > > Where were the ships going? > The 183-metre long Stena Immaculate had departed Agioi Theodorio in Greece on February 27, transporting 18,000 tonnes of Jet A-1 fuel to Immingham, operating as part of the US government’s Tanker Security Programme. It was stationary at the time of the crash, having dropped its anchor around 10 miles east of Withernsea, East Yorkshire, at 6.16pm on Sunday evening (March 9). > > The 140-metre long Solong began its journey from Grangemouth, Scotland, to the Netherlands at 8.07pm on Sunday, and was due to arrive in Rotterdam the following evening. Work is ongoing to determine what cargo the Solong was carrying. Where the Stena Immaculate was anchored is in open waters and along the normal coastal route from North to South v.v.: ![](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/uploads/gcaptain_maritime_forum/original/3X/8/d/8d9fe24c54cafc455f0b04de6e58a1f7229dccbc.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![spowiednick](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.gcaptain.com/spowiednick/32/35668_2.png) [@spowiednick](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/spowiednick)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2025, 8:21pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/stena-immaculate-on-fire-off-uk/72072/70 "2025-03-11T20:21:07Z")
I am not saying it is. I am quoting the source from Dr. Bugge post and looked up some videos seeking clarification. 😜 No conspiracy project in my head… yet. And teasing some hot heads here 😅 ---
**Author:** ![float](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/8491ac/32.png) [@float](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/float)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2025, 9:13pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/stena-immaculate-on-fire-off-uk/72072/71 "2025-03-11T21:13:10Z")
Ships swaying at anchor often display 0.1-0.5 kt. Even moored ships often display 0.1-0.2 kt due to gps dither. But, of course, you’re merely baiting 😉 ---
**Author:** ![jbtam99](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.gcaptain.com/jbtam99/32/65499_2.png) [@jbtam99](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/jbtam99)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2025, 10:13pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/stena-immaculate-on-fire-off-uk/72072/72 "2025-03-11T22:13:33Z")
> [@float](#): > > Ships swaying at anchor often display 0.1-0.5 kt Yup, exactly. Not sure this image will upload full size, but if you zoom in close you can see the starboard anchor chain out in this leading about 2 o’clock with moderate strain (though I don’t see an anchor ball in any of the pics, they may have been using one of the nylon ones that burned up in the fire or the halyard may have parted) ![IMG_8435](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/uploads/gcaptain_maritime_forum/original/3X/8/3/837bdb6eb078227962c1612c2b6185c47caa46b1.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![spowiednick](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.gcaptain.com/spowiednick/32/35668_2.png) [@spowiednick](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/spowiednick)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2025, 10:16pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/stena-immaculate-on-fire-off-uk/72072/73 "2025-03-11T22:16:19Z")
They must have some speed due to an obvious fact they are swinging in conditions of wind and current for God’s sake and even when one looks at the traces of it’s tracks within the circle that means it covered some distance within a certain time and that alone means v \> 0 . 😉 as D/T = v in its simplest representation . And there is a proof here she is at anchor although it seems to me so well trained crew was in a hurry and forgot to raise the black ball forward 😉 ![image](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/uploads/gcaptain_maritime_forum/original/3X/b/8/b82623f3db68fec7090f8d0d68d7f12b36fe28eb.jpeg) And just hold on as I have grabbed one video with a martime expert saying what an autopilot is. This expert was reminded many times not to dive too deep into too much details. But the Guy seems stubborn and plows on. 😉 . What can I do??? 😉 Added: uuuups- the black ball has burned . ---
**Author:** ![spowiednick](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.gcaptain.com/spowiednick/32/35668_2.png) [@spowiednick](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/spowiednick)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2025, 10:19pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/stena-immaculate-on-fire-off-uk/72072/74 "2025-03-11T22:19:02Z")
thx for the effort;-) I found other below . ---
**Author:** ![spowiednick](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.gcaptain.com/spowiednick/32/35668_2.png) [@spowiednick](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/spowiednick)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2025, 10:45pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/stena-immaculate-on-fire-off-uk/72072/75 "2025-03-11T22:45:09Z")
I am kindly asking the best ECDIS guru here alias @Meme.Lord to explain in simple terms the difference between navigation on “autopilot” and " track mode" . His help will be very much appreciated. ---
**Author:** ![yacht\_sailor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/ed655f/32.png) [@yacht\_sailor](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/yacht_sailor)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2025, 11:04pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/stena-immaculate-on-fire-off-uk/72072/76 "2025-03-11T23:04:39Z")
Do you mean compass heading vs. GPS track? ---
**Author:** ![New3M](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.gcaptain.com/new3m/32/394_2.png) [@New3M](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/New3M)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2025, 11:10pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/stena-immaculate-on-fire-off-uk/72072/77 "2025-03-11T23:10:32Z")
Autopilot: keeps the ship on one course, doesn’t account for set and drift. (Set 183, steers 183) Track Pilot: keeps the ship on the track line, accounting for set and drift. (Set 183, may steer 180 or 185, whatever it needs to stay on the trackline) Ships can run a great circle across an ocean on the track pilot and not have to touch the autopilot for 2 weeks. ---
**Author:** ![spowiednick](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.gcaptain.com/spowiednick/32/35668_2.png) [@spowiednick](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/spowiednick)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2025, 11:50pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/stena-immaculate-on-fire-off-uk/72072/78 "2025-03-11T23:50:16Z")
EXACTLY !!! THANK YOU VERY MUCH . With auto pilot keeping the heading one may drift a 100 miles to one side or the other without checking and it does not give a damn about GPS or ECDIS or sun culmination or Betelguese exploding . The system just maintains set heading. Simple as pie. Track mode as described accurately by @New3M . Above dovetails nicely with info from other sources: Vartsila: Automatic pilot, autopilot Automatic control system used for automatic navigation. The system can sense the difference between the ordered course of the ship and the actual course and will cause the rudder to move to an angle proportional to this error. The autopilot keeps the vessel on the correct heading without the helmsman’s intervention. TRACK MODE: Using Track Mode In Track mode, the autopilot maintains a track between waypoints created on a navigation system. The autopilot receives any course changes to keep your boat on track. It was simple advice for boatsman. What is track control in ECDIS? Steering automation is taken one step further when autopilot is enjoined to ECDIS. This combination yields **track control** by which the course set by autopilot is determined by the track set in the ECDIS. In short Autopilot requires human intervention to keep the vessel on track wheras “track mode” as described does not require it having 3 items :autopilot, GPS, ECDIS conjoined . Do the viewers agree then with the opinion of an expert here regarding autopilot? I heartily do not but it is my opinion . [![](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/uploads/gcaptain_maritime_forum/original/3X/f/c/fc7fb5ec4f5a5b3f512239bfddb385d624991db2.jpeg "Shipping expert weighs in on what could have caused North Sea collision | ITV News") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pq148e12EeY) ---
**Author:** ![New3M](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.gcaptain.com/new3m/32/394_2.png) [@New3M](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/New3M)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2025, 12:45am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/stena-immaculate-on-fire-off-uk/72072/79 "2025-03-12T00:45:52Z")
I mean, you have to cut him some slack. He’s dumbing it down for the public. The general public doesn’t need to know nor care what the difference between autopilot and track pilot are. I have no idea what you call it on an airplane when it flies by computer, but I’d call it autopilot. It may not be the technical term, but everyone understands what it means. ---
**Author:** ![New3M](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.gcaptain.com/new3m/32/394_2.png) [@New3M](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/New3M)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2025, 1:05am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/stena-immaculate-on-fire-off-uk/72072/80 "2025-03-12T01:05:47Z")
Video from the Solong shortly after the incident. > **[Salvage and wreck on Instagram: "🚨 NEW FOOTAGE!!🎥

Breaking News: Oil Tanker...](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHDUiHEyzxX/?igsh=MWtjemtybnpmNDhmbw==)** > > 1,643 likes, 71 comments - salvage\_and\_wreck on March 11, 2025: "🚨 NEW FOOTAGE!!🎥

Breaking News: Oil Tanker Stena Immaculate on Fire After Collision Off UK Coast > > A massive fire broke out on the oil tanker MC Stena Immaculate after it was struck by... [Previous page](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/stena-immaculate-on-fire-off-uk/72072.md?page=3) [Next page](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/stena-immaculate-on-fire-off-uk/72072.md?page=5)