North Sea collision: Man arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter
By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor
A man aged 59 has been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter following a catastrophic collision in the North Sea on Monday between a tanker and a container ship about 10 miles off Withernsea.
The collision between the US-flagged tanker MV Stena Immaculate and Solong, a Portuguese-flagged container ship, happened just before 10am and prompted a major rescue effort led by HM Coastguard.
Although more than 30 mariners from both vessels were safely brought ashore, an unnamed seaman is missing feared dead and the search for him was called off last night.
Humberside Police today announced they had launched a criminal investigation into the incident, and the force is working in collaboration with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch is also undertaking a parallel preliminary assessment to establish the causes of the collision.
Detective Chief Superintendent Craig Nicholson, senior investigating officer, said: “Humberside Police have taken primacy for the investigation of any potential criminal offences which arise from the collision between the two vessels.
“Extensive work has already been carried out, and we are working closely with our partners to understand what happened, and to provide support to all of those affected.
“Following enquiries undertaken by my team, we have arrested a 59-year-old man on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter in connection with the collision. This follows the conclusion of search operations by HM Coastguard for the missing crew member of the Solong.
“Our thoughts are with the family of the missing crew member, and I have appointed family liaison officers to make contact and provide support to the family.
“The man arrested remains in custody at this time whilst enquiries are underway, and we continue speaking with all those involved to establish the full circumstances of the incident.”
The tanker, which was heading from a Greek port to Hull, is thought to have been anchored at the time and appears to have been struck amidships by the container ship, which was heading to Rotterdam from Grangemouth in Scotland.
The Stena Immaculate was carrying jet fuel, prompting fears about the environmental impact of the collision. The Humber Estuary is one of the most environmentally protected areas of the UK.