The captain of the Solong cargo vessel has been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter after a collision with an oil tanker in the North Sea.
Humberside Police earlier confirmed they were leading a criminal investigation into yesterday’s collision, saying a 59-year-old man had been arrested. The owner of the vessel confirmed to the BBC that the man held was the ship’s captain, a Russian national.
The force is working alongside the Maritime and Coastguard Agency as part of the inquiry. In addition, the Marine Accident Investigation Branch is carrying out a parallel preliminary assessment to establish the cause of the incident.
Senior Investigating Officer, 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.
“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 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.
“The man arrested remains in custody at this time while enquiries are under way, and we continue speaking with all those involved to establish the full circumstances of the incident.”
Earlier this afternoon the Coastguard confirmed that the Solong was expected to sink.
The Portuguese-flagged vessel, still burning after Monday’s crash with the Stena Immaculate, is drifting south and is being closely followed by two tugboats to prevent it from nearing the coastline.
Speaking in the House of Commons, transport minister Mike Kane (pictured) said the Coastguard’s assessment was that it was “unlikely” the vessel would remain afloat. He also warned that officials were still working to establish the exact contents of the Solong’s cargo.
“I’m aware of media reporting regarding potential hazardous materials on board but we’re unable to confirm at this time,” Mr Kane said. “However, counter-pollution measures and assets are already in place and both vessels are being closely monitored for structural integrity.”
The Solong had been carrying 14 crew members at the time of the collision. Thirteen have been rescued, but one remains missing.
Mr Kane told MPs: “The working assumption [is] one was deceased,” adding that efforts to recover the sailor’s body would continue.
He confirmed the fire aboard the Stena Immaculate had been extinguished, although the Solong remained ablaze after breaking free from the tanker and drifting during the night.
Mr Kane also stated there was “no evidence” of foul play but acknowledged that “something went terribly wrong” in the lead-up to the crash.
Beverley and Holderness MP Graham Stuart later said he had a phone call with Mr Kane and officials regarding the collision.
He said: “I’ve been pushing for an update I can share with constituents and I’m pleased to do that now.
“Broadly it’s good news: there is no evidence so far of any of the heavy engine oil leaking from either ship,.
“The Solong is three miles offshore, south of the Humber, and now has a line attached so can be moved by a tug.
“The sodium cyanide containers were empty and there is no evidence of pollution in the water or in the air to date. No containers appear to have fallen from the ship.
“The Solong is still smoking but there are no flames visible.
“The Immaculate is at anchor, the jet oil appears to have burned off and, because of its purity, it is expected to leave no residue in the water. Testing kit is being sent out to confirm.
“Risks remain, however. It’s possible that heavy engine oil could yet leak. Booms and oil collection kit are in Grimsby in that eventuality.”
“The minister has committed to providing another update by Thursday at the latest and I will make sure I share news when I get it.
“Our hearts go out to the family of the crewman of the Solong who lost his life. I know we’re all in admiration of the heroic rescuers of the Coast Guard, the RNLI and others who put their own lives at risk.”
The collision and subsequent fire have sparked serious concerns among environmental groups, who are warning of potential damage to the East Yorkshire coast and Humber Estuary. Conservationists fear any pollution could have a devastating impact on the wildlife in the area, which is recognised as one of the UK’s most important habitats for birds and marine species.
British Divers Marine Life Rescue said it was part of the Environmental Incident Wildlife Response plan, for incidents such as oil spills affecting the Yorkshire coastline.
In a statement, it said: “Should any affected marine life be reported following this incident, we will attend alongside our partnered agencies to assist.
“If you see any marine mammal along the coastline which you are concerned has been affected by the incident, do not approach or touch them, and call BDMLR for assistance on: 01825 765546. For affected birds, please call the RSPCA on: 0300 123 4999.
“Our thoughts are with all who are affected.”
A spokesperson for the Marine Accident Investigation Branch said: “The Marine Accident Investigation Branch has deployed a team to Grimsby following the collision of the Portuguese-registered container ship Solong and the US-registered oil tanker Stena Immaculate which collided in the North Sea yesterday morning.
“Our team of inspectors and support staff are gathering evidence and undertaking a preliminary assessment of the accident to determine our next steps.”