Video footage captures moment of impact in North Sea vessel crash

Video footage captured by Orca AI’s lookout unit (SeaPod) mounted on the tanker Ionic Aspis anchored off the port of Grimsby close to the tanker MV Stena Immaculate at the time of the accident shows the accident as it happened.

The footage comprises two videos, one captured by the SeaPod’s day cameras showing the dense fog that would likely have prevented the crew of the feeder containership MV Solong from seeing the MV Stena Immaculate with the human eye. The second video captured by the SeaPod’s thermal cameras shows the approach of the Solong and the explosion as it ploughed into the tanker.

“This video footage clearly shows the context of the accident, that is the fog conditions at the time, while the moment of impact is also shown clearly,” commented Yarden Gross, CEO and Co-founder of Orca AI.

He added: “This week’s collision is another stark reminder of the fragility of maritime navigation. Despite technological advancements, crews still rely heavily on traditional navigation tools that struggle with target detection in low visibility conditions, rough weather, and dense fog. Compounding these challenges, crew fatigue remains a critical issue, reducing reaction times and increasing the risk of human error. By integrating AI, ships can operate with greater autonomy, improving crew situational awareness, optimizing response times, and ultimately reducing risks. These advancements empower crews with smarter, data-driven decision-making tools to navigate safely and efficiently.”

The video footage has been made available to the UK investigating authorities by Orca AI.

Download the video footage here.