A 59-year-old man has been taken into custody in connection with yesterday’s collision between two ships in the North Sea.
Police say the man has been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter over the North Sea collision.
As reported by BBC News, Humberside Police have launched a criminal investigation into the incident and are working alongside the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to determine its cause.
“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,” said Detective Chief Superintendent Craig Nicholson in a statement.
According to Nicholson, the man was arrested “following enquiries undertaken by my team.” While his identity has not been disclosed, he has been detained on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter in relation to the collision.
The arrest follows the conclusion of search efforts by HM Coastguard for a missing crew member from the Solong, the statement adds.
“The man arrested remains in custody at this time whilst enquiries are under way, and we continue speaking with all those involved to establish the full circumstances of the incident,” Nicholson said.
MP Mike Kane confirmed in the Commons on Tuesday (March 11) that – despite previous reports to the contrary – only 13 of the 14 sailors on the Solong were rescued, and the working assumption is that the missing sailor is deceased.
The cargo ship Solong collided with the Stena Immaculate oil tanker off the Yorkshire coast on Monday (March 10) morning, causing a huge explosion and raising fears of an environmental disaster.
The Stena Immaculate, which was stationary at the time of impact, was carrying 220,000 barrels of jet fuel for the US Air Force. At least one barrel is reportedly leaking into the North Sea.
The UK’s Maritime and Coastguard Agency deployed several helicopters and lifeboats, rescuing 36 casualties. However, one crew member from the Solong remains missing.
Ernst Russ, the Hamburg-based owner of the Solong, issued a statement after confirming that 13 of its 14 crew members had been rescued.
“Both vessels have sustained significant damage in the impact of the collision and the subsequent fire,” the statement read. “Ernst Russ immediately activated an emergency response team, and the company remains in contact with them, the master of Solong, and all relevant marine authorities at Humberside. The first priority is the safety of the crew(s), all responders, and the environment.”
Crowley, the Florida-based logistics company managing the Stena Immaculate, said the vessel was operating as part of the US government’s tanker security program.
A spokesperson confirmed that the Immaculate had suffered a ruptured cargo tank, leading to a fuel spill, but emphasized that all 23 mariners on board were safe.
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch has launched a separate preliminary assessment to establish the exact cause of the collision.
