Video footage captured by UK company Orca AI’s lookout unit (SeaPod) mounted on the tanker ‘Ionic Aspis’ anchored off the port of Grimsby close to the tanker ‘Stena Immaculate’ at the time of the accident on 10 March 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 Solong from seeing the 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.
Yarden Gross, CEO and Co-founder, Orca AI, said: “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. 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, and can be downloaded here.
Image: Frame from Orca AI thermal camera showing the two vessels just prior to the collision
