Police have made arrest following collision involving a tanker and cargo vessel in North Sea

The collision happened off the Humber Estuary

Author: Julie CastonPublished 11th Mar 2025

A man's been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter following a crash between an oil tanker and a cargo ship in the North Sea just off the East Yorkshire coast.

Humberside Police say a criminal investigation has been launched - with a 59-year-old being questioned.

The force says they are working in collaboration with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch are also undertaking a parallel preliminary assessment to establish the causes of the collision.

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.

“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 whilst enquiries are underway, and we continue speaking with all those involved to establish the full circumstances of the incident.”

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