Crowley Crews Honored for Heroic Life-Saving Actions at Sea

Crowley mariners received significant accolades during the 2025 Admiral of the Ocean Sea Awards for their heroic actions that saved lives and prevented environmental disaster. The United Seamen’s Service presented the crew of the tanker Stena Immaculate with the AOTOS Special Recognition Plaque for their extraordinary response to a catastrophic collision in the North Sea in March 2025.

While anchored approximately 14 nautical miles northeast of Spurn Head near the Humber Estuary, the Stena Immaculate was struck by the Portuguese-flagged containership Solong, which was traveling at 16 knots. The collision ruptured the tanker’s No. 7 port cargo tank, resulting in a spill of aviation fuel into the sea and igniting a fire that spread to both vessels.

Despite the breach and flames engulfing the ships, the crew effectively contained the fire and safeguarded the remaining cargo of over 220,000 barrels of aviation fuel. They also ensured the safety of all 23 seafarers aboard. Tragically, the incident claimed the life of Mark Pernia, an able seaman aboard Solong, who remains missing. The captain of Solong, Vladimir Motin, has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter. A report by the UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch noted that visibility at the time ranged between 0.25 and 2.0 nautical miles, and neither vessel had a dedicated lookout on the bridge. The incident is currently under investigation by authorities in the United States, United Kingdom, and Portugal.

In a separate recognition, the crew of Crowley’s El Coquí received the AOTOS Mariner’s Plaque for Heroism. They rescued four U.S. boaters whose sailing vessel sank in the Atlantic Ocean north of the Dominican Republic. Responding to a request from the U.S. Coast Guard, the vessel diverted from its regular Jacksonville-to-San Juan route. Collaborating with the Coast Guard and the nearby vessel Bonanza, they successfully located and transported the boaters to safety.

“We are incredibly proud of our mariners aboard the Stena Immaculate and El Coquí for their lifesaving and heroic actions,” said James C. Fowler, senior vice president and general manager of Crowley Shipping. “These awards are a testament to their courage, professionalism, and dedication in moments of crisis. These mariners exemplify Crowley’s unwavering commitment to safety, and their actions remind us why we continually invest in training, preparedness, and innovation to protect lives and uphold the highest standards in maritime operations.”

The AOTOS Awards, hosted annually by the United Seamen’s Service for over 50 years, recognize individuals and organizations whose leadership has significantly advanced the maritime sector while safeguarding American seafarers. Following the March collision, Stena Bulk sold the Stena Immaculate in October to a buyer who will undertake repairs at Desan Shipyard. Prior to the transfer, the vessel was reflagged from the United States to the Maltese flag.

In August 2025, the U.S. Maritime Administration approved the tanker CS Anthem to replace Stena Immaculate in the Tanker Security Program, joining Crowley-managed vessels Stena Imperative and Stena Impeccable in the program.