# 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:** 9
**Author:** ![Hornblower](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/ecccb3/32.png) [@Hornblower](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Hornblower)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2025, 11:40am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/stena-immaculate-on-fire-off-uk/72072/185 "2025-03-17T11:40:09Z")
Pedantic semantics dear boy, lighten up. ---
**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 17, 2025, 11:44am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/stena-immaculate-on-fire-off-uk/72072/186 "2025-03-17T11:44:20Z")
And who is the boy here ??? 😜 > [@Hornblower](#): > > Has there been any news on the missing seafarer? > i would be interested to know what rank he was. Above may be as difficult as establishing tshe cargo Solong carried or not carried (sodium cyianide ) or something . Crew list are a matter of national security nowadays except ranks and names of masters .This goes into the media like a lightning. ---
**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 17, 2025, 7:51pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/stena-immaculate-on-fire-off-uk/72072/187 "2025-03-17T19:51:28Z")
Latest update fm Dr. Sal. [![](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/uploads/gcaptain_maritime_forum/original/3X/7/8/7821e241c06e3b60ddbdb7b0525803aacc8b54c2.jpeg "Stena Immaculate and Solong Allision & Salvage Update | One Tank Ruptured | Master Charged") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzTu8xz7I7Y) Angry people!!! There are no angry people here. Always look at the bright side of life. There are many caring people here. Notice it & appreciate that. ---
**Author:** ![Hornblower](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/ecccb3/32.png) [@Hornblower](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Hornblower)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2025, 8:16pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/stena-immaculate-on-fire-off-uk/72072/188 "2025-03-17T20:16:31Z")
For what it’s worth; [UK Chamber statement on incident in the North Sea | UK Chamber of Shipping](https://www.ukchamberofshipping.com/news/uk-chamber-statement-incident-the-north-sea) ---
**Author:** ![Sirk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/74df32/32.png) [@Sirk](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Sirk)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2025, 9:25pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/stena-immaculate-on-fire-off-uk/72072/189 "2025-03-17T21:25:27Z")
> [@Salvatore\_Mercoglian](#): > > It may not be perfect - I dont know why I keep getting the acroynm for AIS wrong (Information vs Identification đŸ€Ș) - but I do try my best. There might be a simple explanation for this. Maybe when you completed school and wrapped up your seafaring days, AIS wasn’t widely used yet, so you never had the chance to fully understand its real purpose and limitations. The same goes for e-Navigation – you might know what an autopilot is, but do you really understand the difference between heading mode, course mode, and track mode? > [@spowiednick](#): > > Name the " authority " except You of course who said that. > Quotes, links , references will do . Well, the “authority” you are asking for could be the source you quoted yourself – the official statement from Crowley Corporation. If anyone should know whether their vessel had a collision or an allision, it’s them. So, did you actually read what you posted? That being said, I do have some doubts about that statement. I understand the corporate PR strategy, and I am not here to judge the actions of the Stena Immaculate’s crew. However, there is no mention of any fire-fighting efforts, just the activation of a fire monitors. Since when does switching on a GS/FiFi pump qualify as “heroic action”? Another point of concern is the ship abandon procedure itself. Leaving running generators unattended has led to disastrous consequences in the past. A similar approach was likely a contributing factor in the fires that resulted in the total loss of HMNZS Manuwanui. But let’s see how the official authorities choose to interpret this situation. ---
**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 17, 2025, 10:55pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/stena-immaculate-on-fire-off-uk/72072/190 "2025-03-17T22:55:08Z")
Yours noted. > [@Sirk](#): > > Well, the “authority” you are asking for could be the source you quoted yourself – the official statement from Crowley Corporation. If anyone should know whether their vessel had a collision or an allision, it’s them. So, did you actually read what you posted? Yes i did and as far as I am concerned Crowley update is not an authoritative voice/material as they are the party involved in the event. Hence there is a strong presumption their media handling ,cleaning up/damage control gangs will use a choice of words aimed at and skilled superbly in whitwashing techniques, Such skilled spin doctors do a good job creating an impression among the unaware public , the injured party was completely not at fault here. On the question : have they done everything what could be done under such circumstances with present data i would say they have not but one MUST wait for the investigation to become cognisant what they did and what they did not. [quote=“spowiednick, post:54, topic:72072”] Likewise it is already apparent, the veil of propaganda is descending upon news services now describing the heroic crew of the tanker fighting fire , doing important things , evacuating (thanks God) safely but not seeing for at least 30 minutes something disturbing on all radars , AIS - only noticing at the last moment “out of the bliue” but miracously in the heat of the moment [/quote] - and other blah blah , it was a moment I noticed the white washing machine was " go " mission. But it is my subjective opinion/observation only. Also listen to the last Dr.Sal video and detetect his drift. Sth like : Stena was first time there blah , blah, then : " I am wondering if she was ordered to anchor there, was she given lat, long coordinates?. As far as I am concerned , these are exculpatory phrases with a white washing clear aim or sth like victimisation - never been there and unknown somebody ordered and/or instructed them to anchor in a place where "sleeping " Russian captains are zipping through the area faster then their “hazel nut rockets”. The material i have made available somewhere in this thread give a clear picture what port authorities including pilot office & agents are informed about regarding vessel arrival off port and they all share such information for vsl port scheduling purposes. AUTHORITY. By “authority " i mean an independent source like: court ruling on similar case, the result of an independent investigating body like MAIB of the similar case and/or other competent but independent source using specifically the term " allision”. Using such term in this case seems to me a nonsense and trying to stretch it because the injured party was " not moving " being at anchor hence attached to the ground, prompts me to ask the question why "moored vessels " are excluded from COLREGS. Have noticed your broadside against Dr.Sal and thought : Gees, the CHEMIST discendet upon the place and fumigated the thread clean 😉 . Be magnanimous and pls do not treat Dr.Sal too harshly as to err is human said the hedge jumping off the brush and He is really doing great job informing the public. Nobody is perfect . If You ask me whom to send to debunk Peter Zeihan gallactic BS factory i would say without blinking an eye and w/o moment hesitation : LET’s CALL DR.SAL. 😜 added: [‘Heroic’ Stena Crew Praised for Quick Thinking After Dramatic North Sea Collision](https://gcaptain.com/heroic-stena-crew-praised-for-quick-thinking-after-dramatic-north-sea-collision/) I have zoro experience and/or knowledge abt product tanker ops but this epic story reminds me of K-19 .The widowmaker script. Thanks God no widows this time. ---
**Author:** ![McGourthyClone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e274bd/32.png) [@McGourthyClone](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/McGourthyClone)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2025, 11:52pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/stena-immaculate-on-fire-off-uk/72072/191 "2025-03-17T23:52:34Z")
I’ll try and get to my storage locker and dig up my Admiralty text book and dig around. Collision/Allision has sparked some long threads here! The “stationary” bit is interesting. That’s not the same as “fixed” like a bridge or pier. An anchored vessel is not underway but is often swinging with the current or wind. So is it “stationary?” I was hoping to find a definition in the Code of Federal Regulations but no luck yet, maybe case law? ---
**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 18, 2025, 12:40am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/stena-immaculate-on-fire-off-uk/72072/192 "2025-03-18T00:40:47Z")
IMO advise re ship at anchor Watchkeeping ![Screenshot_20250318_013805](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/uploads/gcaptain_maritime_forum/original/3X/0/5/050204a3576ae109b205f9a4594c77918b8516a5.jpeg) **STCW Code** , as amended: Part A, Chapter VIII. If the Master considers it necessary, a continuous navigational watch shall be maintained at anchor. While at anchor, the Officer in charge of the navigational watch shall: 1. Determine and plot the ship’s position on the appropriate chart as soon as practicable. 2. When circumstances permit, check at sufficiently frequent intervals whether the ship is remaining securely at anchor by taking bearings of fixed navigation marks or readily identifiable shore objects. 3. Ensure that a proper lookout is maintained. 4. Ensure that inspection rounds of the ship are made periodically. 5. Observe meteorological and tidal conditions and the state of the sea. 6. Notify the Master and undertake all necessary measures if the ship drags anchor. **7. Ensure that the state of readiness of the main engines and other machinery is in accordance with the Master’s instructions.** 1. If visibility deteriorates, notify the Master. 2. Ensure that the ship exhibits the appropriate lights and shapes and that appropriate sound signals are made in accordance with all applicable regulations. 3. Take measures to protect the environment from pollution by the ship and comply with applicable pollution regulations. In addition, the Master of every ship at an unsheltered anchorage, at an open roadstead or any other virtually “at sea” conditions in accordance with chapter VIII, section A-VIII/2, part 4-1, paragraph 51, of the STCW Code should ensure that watchkeeping arrangements are adequate for maintaining a safe watch at all times. A deck officer should at all times maintain responsibility for a safe anchor watch. In determining the watchkeeping arrangements, and commensurate with maintaining the ship’s safety and security, and the protection of the marine environment, the Master should take into account all pertinent circumstances and conditions and the guidance given in the STCW Code, as amended, Part B, Chapter VIII. **Other sources of information, such as the Admiralty Sailing Directions, local marine notices and advice from Harbour Masters and Vessel Traffic Services, should be taken into account by the Master** Here is what one of the FOC is thinking about watchkeeping. > **[STCW-003.pdf](https://www.classnk.com/hp/pdf/activities/statutory/ism/flag/vincent/STCW-003.pdf)** > > 3.73 MB added: 180325 one of the many comments re “anchorage” [![](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/uploads/gcaptain_maritime_forum/original/3X/9/7/970de390a8b67c47b84a50363048a8a198a947da.jpeg "Did Solong Run Through Anchorage? Or was US Ship in Shipping Lane? | SY News Ep450") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yraxIRR-k2E) ---
**Author:** ![BeerCaptain](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e8c25b/32.png) [@BeerCaptain](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/BeerCaptain)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2025, 12:49am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/stena-immaculate-on-fire-off-uk/72072/193 "2025-03-18T00:49:50Z")
> [@Sirk](#): > > Since when does switching on a GS/FiFi pump qualify as “heroic action”? Guess it depends on the context but considering those monitors continued running and there (at least so far and from early reports) wasn’t a spread to other tanks, you could call it heroic being that the ship exploded on impact and likely caught 98% of the crew off guard. I haven’t seen how quickly they got off but to have the wherewithal to turn those on and bail instead of just saying “fuck it we’re out” takes some time and quick/levelheaded thinking. > [@Sirk](#): > > Another point of concern is the ship abandon procedure itself. Leaving running generators unattended has led to disastrous consequences in the past Fair, but if you’re just trying to gtfo after an explosion that, frankly, seems like the whole ship is gonna go down, the last thing I’m worried about is shutting down a genny. Idk if you saw the video but I mean the tank goes up immediately on impact. There’s no way they even rang off fire and emergency, they probably went straight to abandon ship (that’s all speculation obviously). TLDR; they reacted quickly, did enough to keep from losing the ship and any crew. Idk how you can really expect more from a crew who’s port side explodes with essentially no warning. ---
**Author:** ![texastanker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a88e4f/32.png) [@texastanker](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/texastanker)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2025, 12:56am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/stena-immaculate-on-fire-off-uk/72072/194 "2025-03-18T00:56:17Z")
> [@Sirk](#): > > Since when does switching on a GS/FiFi pump qualify as “heroic action”? No Monday Morning quarterbacking here. On the chemical ships I was on we would drill to put out a fire on deck. But we all knew if it wasn’t extinguished in a few minutes we were heading to the boats. ---
**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 18, 2025, 1:08am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/stena-immaculate-on-fire-off-uk/72072/195 "2025-03-18T01:08:34Z")
I gotta give credit to whoever had the set of stones to get to the monitor by the crane and get it open. When I sailed Chief Mate on a tanker that would have been my job. And I’m pretty sure I would have told the old man to piss off if he told me to do that after 4P erupted into a fire ball and I’d be waiting for him at the lifeboat. Unless some 3M just happened to be greasing that valve at the right time 😂 ---
**Author:** ![texastanker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a88e4f/32.png) [@texastanker](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/texastanker)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2025, 2:17am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/stena-immaculate-on-fire-off-uk/72072/196 "2025-03-18T02:17:31Z")
True story- at least I think so - the Exxon San Francisco caught fire at the dock at Bayway - everyone got off - some down the gangway- some over the side into the kills - one AB on the bow went fire monitor to fire monitor down the catwalk. By the time he made it to the gangway he had extinguished the flames singlehanded. When asked later why he did that and didn’t just jump over the side- his simple answer was he couldn’t swim. ---
**Author:** ![shipengr](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.gcaptain.com/shipengr/32/485_2.png) [@shipengr](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/shipengr)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2025, 2:54am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/stena-immaculate-on-fire-off-uk/72072/197 "2025-03-18T02:54:22Z")
I want to be careful here, as I’ve never been close to any situation where the chance of abandonment was a consideration, and so I can’t truly fathom the fraying thread of where that decision lies. I have fought more than one small shipboard fire, and I’ve been in storms that those in an office with an anemometer would call a hurricane, but I’ve never been in a true enough shit storm to be mustered at the boats with the uncertainty of survival. And yet, what still rings most strongly in my mind is first semester vessel familiarization with the eponymous Capt. Murphy, where it was reiterated that you abandon ship when it involves stepping up to a lifeboat as your ship sinks below you. A little hyperbole to instill a sense of duty? Perhaps. But I’m still surprised at the number of marine incidents I read about lately where the crew abandoned and ship floats on. Obviously I wasn’t there, and I can’t imagine having to make that call. And maybe mariners aren’t paid enough to risk it to try saving the ship anymore. I’m certainly no hero either, if the Captain tells me to go the boats I’m there. Just curious about the phenomenon and perception that the little orange death trap is preferable over the still floating ship. ---
**Author:** ![Louisd75](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/f04885/32.png) [@Louisd75](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Louisd75)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2025, 3:12am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/stena-immaculate-on-fire-off-uk/72072/198 "2025-03-18T03:12:42Z")
> [@BeerCaptain](#): > > There’s no way they even rang off fire and emergency, they probably went straight to abandon ship (that’s all speculation obviously). One of the guys on with me right now is friends with one of the top 4 on the Immaculate. From the text message that was read to me, there were two crew working near the bow at the time of collision, though it wasn’t said whether they hit the monitors on the way back. Per the messages, they did not go straight to boats, they fought the fire and it was very close. The messages didn’t discuss abandoning ship, so I can’t provide any insight into how that went or how long it took them to go to boats. FWIW, and this is speculation on my part, I have seen where the cooling water for deck hydraulics was from fire main. Depending on what work was being done it’s possible that fire main was already running prior to the collision. The other thing stressed in the messages was that it was a complete shit show despite everyone being up. Things were happening very quickly in the beginning and there wasn’t time for everyone to get to their assigned stations and perform their assigned duties. There was a lot of people stepping up and filling in because things needed to happen immediately, not after mustering everyone. Communications also weren’t great, not everyone had a radio and phone comms were difficult. Per the texts, it sounded like they relied heavily on the sound powered phone system for comms between ER, Foam station and bridge. As an aside, the bit on comms doesn’t surprise me. My last two ships keep all of the “emergency” radios in the same office. Someone has to go get radios and take them to the respective teams. There weren’t enough radios on board to outfit everyone with a radio at all times. This is something that I’ve fought with companies before, as I’m sure others have too. It’s not uncommon for the engine room to have trouble radioing the bridge, let alone the bow, due to poor quality radios or lack of repeaters. And, the expectation that someone suited up and wearing an SCBA is going to be able to communicate with a handheld radio that isn’t integrated into the BA mask is flat out insanity. Probably wouldn’t be a bad idea to kill the radios for your next drill. I’ll update if I hear any more, but I’m not going to pester anyone for info. ---
**Author:** ![AKBJR](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/c89c15/32.png) [@AKBJR](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/AKBJR)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2025, 3:41am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/stena-immaculate-on-fire-off-uk/72072/199 "2025-03-18T03:41:34Z")
“Exxon San Francisco” caught fire at #2 Dock at Baytown, Texas. She was loading gasoline. I sailed with the A.B. who opened the monitors. Pretty cool shipmate. Dude could (and would) eat five steaks at a sitting. The messman just kept bringing them. Edit: In case I didn’t make it clear, yes, a true story. Edit #2: He didn’t extinguish the fire singlehandedly. ---
**Author:** ![Hogsnort](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/ba8739/32.png) [@Hogsnort](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Hogsnort)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2025, 4:14am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/stena-immaculate-on-fire-off-uk/72072/200 "2025-03-18T04:14:42Z")
> [@Louisd75](#): > > This is something that I’ve fought with companies before, as I’m sure others have too. It’s not uncommon for the engine room to have trouble radioing the bridge, let alone the bow, due to poor quality radios or lack of repeaters Trying to explain to some beancounter that a handheld VHF doesn’t cut it. The one hand held UHF that you could rely on was a Motorola. ---
**Author:** ![BeerCaptain](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e8c25b/32.png) [@BeerCaptain](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/BeerCaptain)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2025, 5:17am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/stena-immaculate-on-fire-off-uk/72072/201 "2025-03-18T05:17:11Z")
> [@Louisd75](#): > > FWIW, and this is speculation on my part, I have seen where the cooling water for deck hydraulics was from fire main. Depending on what work was being done it’s possible that fire main was already running prior to the collision. Makes sense. Some ships also have the ability to fire up the pump from the bridge and move the monitor remotely. I’m not familiar with the set up so idk what they have. Regardless, after seeing the photos of the ship after the fire id say they made the right call. Fight what you can, get off, hope for the best. We can armchair qb this whole thing but unless you’ve been t-boned and ship exploded I don’t give a fuck what you have to say. I think they did a great job. No casualties, minimal pollution, not (in layman’s terms) their fault. ---
**Author:** ![float](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/8491ac/32.png) [@float](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/float)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2025, 6:31am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/stena-immaculate-on-fire-off-uk/72072/202 "2025-03-18T06:31:12Z")
(a) In this specific case, with a cargo fuel explosion immediately on impact, that, at least for everybody but the oow who in principle could (should?) have accessed radar and AIS, was unpredictable, in dense fog, and with way more fuel ready to go kaboom, I would heartily second their timely abandoning ship. (b) Being in a busy stretch of water with a manageable sea state makes the orange ‘death trap’ much less so. “Never abandon ship, until ship abandons you” seems much harder to fine-tune in a presumed partial state of shock, with the uncertain likelihood of ensuing catastrophic further explosions. ---
**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 18, 2025, 11:01am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/stena-immaculate-on-fire-off-uk/72072/203 "2025-03-18T11:01:38Z")
Stena is known for having the latest and best of equipment so I would think that the Stena Immaculate, being a modern tanker blt. 2017 probably had remote operated fire monitors controlled from the bridge and/or cargo control room: [![](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/uploads/gcaptain_maritime_forum/original/3X/f/f/ff1b15ea8e9878c78e0285977d0eb37d5a78ec2d.jpeg "Remote Fire Monitor Protection Systems For Jetty & Oil Terminals - Offshore Animation") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeF3xc5X9Cc) ---
**Author:** ![Kennebec\_Captain](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.gcaptain.com/kennebec_captain/32/13_2.png) [@Kennebec\_Captain](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Kennebec_Captain)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2025, 11:53am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/stena-immaculate-on-fire-off-uk/72072/204 "2025-03-18T11:53:08Z")
> [@shipengr](#): > > the phenomenon and perception that the little orange death trap is preferable over the still floating ship. This situation is more analogous to being alongside then being in open sea. Given the weather and proximity of assist vessels and free-fall vs davit-launched lifeboats. Best to get crew who are at risk off. Fight the fire with the tugs. If there was requirement for crew members aboard they could be transferred back aboard after a clear-headed evaluation of the risks. [Previous page](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/stena-immaculate-on-fire-off-uk/72072.md?page=8) [Next page](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/stena-immaculate-on-fire-off-uk/72072.md?page=10)