Crashed cargo ship Solong arrives in Aberdeen

A cargo ship involved in a crash with an oil tanker in the North Sea has been towed to Aberdeen.

The impact between the Solong and the US-registered tanker Stena Immaculate in the North Sea on 10 March, off East Yorkshire, caused an explosion and fires.

The Portuguese-flagged Solong is berthed at the Scottish port for damage assessment.

One crew member - a Filipino national - is missing and presumed dead. The ship's Russian captain has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter.

Solong arrived in Aberdeen after a tug-assisted journey lasting several days.

The ship pulled into port at about 07:15 silhouetted against the sunrise. The full extent of the damage to the vessel could be seen from the shore.

Small pockets of fire had continued for days on Solong before being extinguished.

Burnt tiny plastic pellets, known as nurdles, have been washed up along the east coast of the UK in the aftermath of the collision.

Rescuers saved 36 crew off both ships involved in the crash.

Ernst Russ, the owners of the cargo vessel, said the Solong would be "fully assessed by specialist marine assessors and insurers".

"We are very aware of the efforts and assistance from all those acting in the response," a statement said.

"We want to thank everyone who has responded urgently and gallantly to this incident."

HM Coastguard said the salvage of Solong had progressed to enable its relocation to Aberdeen for safe berthing.

Chief Coastguard Paddy O'Callaghan said the Stena Immaculate "remains in a stable condition with salvage ongoing".

The Port of Aberdeen said the Solong would be prepared for the next stage of salvage operations.

The Solong's captain Vladimir Motin, 59, is due to stand trial in January next year.