Swedish authorities have officially charged the captain and pilot of the Norwegian cargo ship Misje Verde in connection with a tragic incident last month near Tjörn that resulted in two fatalities. This development is particularly notable for the pilot, as such prosecutions are rare. Both individuals face charges of negligence leading to death and bodily injury, as well as negligence in maritime traffic, although they deny any wrongdoing.
The charges arise from an investigation revealing that the pleasure boat was visible on the cargo ship’s radar prior to the collision on July 28, indicating a failure to maintain proper lookout as mandated by maritime regulations. The Misje Verde overtook the smaller craft, which was traveling in the same direction, colliding with it from behind and causing it to sink in deep waters, while two of the four aboard were tragically killed.
An analysis of Misje Verde‘s Voyage Data Recorder (VDR) provided crucial insights into the events leading up to the collision. Prosecutors confirmed that both the captain and pilot overlooked the radar display showing the pleasure boat, which should have prompted them to take evasive action. The pilot’s "very active role" in navigation at the time is especially significant since the investigation concluded he, alongside the captain, bore responsibility for the mishap.
Despite initial considerations of other potential rule violations related to visibility and signaling, the indictment focuses on the failure to adhere to lookout requirements while overtaking a vessel. The investigation was notably swift, aided by timely access to tracking data, and the trial is set to commence on September 10.
