Swedish prosecutors have widened their investigation into last month’s fatal collision involving the Norwegian cargo ship Misje Verde, naming the vessel’s pilot as a criminal suspect alongside the ship’s master. The Swedish Prosecution Authority said the pilot is under investigation on suspicion of negligent navigation and causing another person’s death, although at the lower Swedish threshold of “reasonable suspicion”.
The pilot, who was assigned under Sweden’s compulsory pilotage system, denies any wrongdoing. The move follows a court decision earlier this week to detain the foreign master on suspicion of causing another person’s death. Prosecutors have until 14 August to decide whether to bring charges.
The collision occurred on 28 July in Hakefjord, south-west of Gothenburg, when Misje Verde, operating under compulsory pilotage, overtook and struck a pleasure boat from astern. The smaller vessel was dragged beneath the cargo ship and sank, killing one adult and one child.
Another adult and child survived after being rescued by nearby boaters. Prosecutors said the pilot played such an active role on the bridge that there are reasonable grounds to investigate potential criminal responsibility alongside the master. They added that both men have given largely consistent accounts of their respective duties during the voyage.
Investigators are examining whether the bridge team complied with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, including requirements to maintain a proper lookout, keep clear while overtaking and sound fog signals in restricted visibility. Authorities have confirmed that no fog signals were sounded.
Analysis of the vessel’s voyage data recorder is continuing, while prosecutors said evidence recovered from the wreck supports their assessment that the pleasure boat was effectively run over by the cargo ship.