Collision in the North Sea: One Man Arrested for Gross Negligence Manslaughter

Ongoing Investigation After a Deadly Ship Collision

The investigation into the collision between a cargo ship and an oil tanker off the coast of England is progressing. A 59-year-old man has been arrested for “gross negligence manslaughter” following the incident on Monday, March 10, announced Humberside Police on Tuesday, March 11. The arrest came after the conclusion of search operations led by the coastguard to locate a missing crew member from the cargo ship Solong, now presumed dead.

The container ship Solong collided with the tanker Stena Immaculate in the North Sea, causing a massive fire that continued to burn the following day. According to British maritime authorities, the fire on the tanker appeared to be extinguished by midday, while flames still engulfed parts of the Solong. Fortunately, 36 crew members were rescued, but one remains missing.

Ecological Risk and Pollution Concerns

The collision raised fears of an environmental disaster. Initial reports suggested the Solong might be carrying sodium cyanide, a highly toxic and flammable substance when in contact with water. However, the ship’s owner, German shipping group Ernst Russ, denied these claims, stating that no such hazardous material was onboard. British Transport Secretary Mike Kane assured Parliament that, for now, no visible signs of pollution had been detected.

The UK government continues to monitor the situation closely. Despite the scale of the incident, authorities have ruled out criminal intent at this stage. A spokesperson for Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated there was “no reason to believe” the collision was deliberate, emphasizing that all efforts are focused on containing the aftermath and understanding the cause of the accident.

An Arrest Amid Unanswered Questions

The arrested individual is suspected of serious negligence, though police have yet to disclose his identity or specific role aboard the vessel. Craig Nicholson, the lead investigator, confirmed that the arrest followed the conclusion of the search for the missing crew member and is part of the broader criminal investigation.

The circumstances surrounding the collision remain unclear. The Stena Immaculate, reportedly chartered by the U.S. military, was anchored when it was struck by the Solong, sailing under the Portuguese flag. Investigators are examining navigation data, crew testimonies, and ship logs to determine what led to the crash.

As the investigation unfolds, British coastguards maintain a heavy presence in the area to prevent any potential pollution spread, while maritime authorities work tirelessly to secure the damaged vessels.