Arrest of tanker crash captain after presumed death of missing sailor

THE captain of the cargo ship involved in a crash with a tanker in the North Sea has been arrested.

- Steph Spyro

The Solong’s owner Ernest Russ yesterday confirmed that he and the rest of the crew are helping the police investigation.

The Portuguese vessel was in collision with US tanker Stena Immaculate off the coast of Yorkshire on Monday evening.

A sailor is missing presumed dead, Transport Minister Mike Kane told the Commons yesterday.

Detective Chief Superintendent Craig Nicholson, of Humberside Police, said: "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 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.