Man arrested on suspicion of manslaughter over North Sea ship collision - police statement
by Olivia Sheed · ChronicleLiveAn arrest has been made in connection to the North Sea collision that occurred on the morning of March 10th. A 59-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence, and manslaughter.
Detective chief superintendent Craig Nicholson said: “Humberside Police have taken primacy for the investigation of any potential criminal offences which arise from the collision between the two vessels.
“Following inquiries 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.”
In a statement, Humberside Police say that a criminal investigation into the cause of the collision is now underway, and they are working in collaboration with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
“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,
“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.”
Just before 10 am on March 10th, two ships collided off the coast of Hull near the port of Grimsby. One was the Stena Immaculate tanker, carrying jet fuel; the other was a container ship, Solong, potentially carrying the toxic substance sodium cyanide.
36 crew members across both vessels have been safely accounted for, with just one requiring hospital treatment. Details on their condition are unknown at this point.
One crew member from the cargo container ship Solong is still missing.