UK police arrest man on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter over North Sea allision

UK’s Humberside Police on Tuesday (11 March) said it has arrested a 59-year-old man on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter in connection to an allision in the North Sea that left a stationary tanker with at least one ruptured cargo tank, which contained Jet-A1 fuel.

Crowley-managed tanker Stena Immaculate, which was anchored off the North Sea coast near Hull, United Kingdom, was hit by the container ship Solong on 10 March. 

At the time it was struck, the 183-metre Stena Immaculate was carrying 220,000 barrels of jet fuel in 16 segregated cargo tanks. 

In his statement to Parliament regarding the incident, UK’s Transport Minister Mike Kane said a crew member from Solong was still missing and presumed dead after a search and rescue operation ended on the evening of 10 March. 

Humberside Police did not name the man but BBC reported Ernst Russ, owner of the Solong, confirmed that the man arrested is the master of the ship. 

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 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.” 

Nicholson added: “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.”

Crowley, in its latest update yesterday, said it remained uncertain at the time what volume of fuel may have been released as a result of the incident, but initial review showed impacts have been limited due to exposure to the fire and evaporation of the Jet A1 fuel.

“A fire onboard the Stena Immaculate has greatly diminished with no visible flames. Crowley is continuing to assist response efforts led by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA),” it said.

“The vessel is stationary at anchor and being monitored by Crowley representatives, partners and government authorities, and we are working alongside partners during initial salvage activities.”

Meanwhile, HM Coastguard, said the vessels were interlocked and held in place by the anchor of the Stena Immaculate, before the Solong detached and drifted south overnight. 

“A tow line has now successfully been put in place and a tug is holding Solong offshore in a safer position. There are still some flames visible on the main deck of the Solong and firefighting is focusing on this area. A salvage plan is being developed with the appointed salvors on scene,” Assistant Chief Coastguard John Craig said.

“A second salvage company has been engaged for the Stena Immaculate, which remains at anchor, with safety tugs on scene. The fire on Stena Immaculate is greatly reduced with no flames visible.

“A comprehensive counter pollution response is in place and HM Coastguard continues to make preparations for any pollution that may occur as a result of the damage to the vessels.

“The MCA’s (Maritime and Coastguard Agency) concern in relation to tanks on the Solong has reduced with tugs now able to work in close vicinity.”

Craig also said the threat from the previously identified Dangerous Goods on board has reduced significantly.

Related: Tanker and container ship on fire after allision in North Sea; one crew member missing

Photo credit: Humberside Police
Published: 12 March, 2025