Swedish prosecutors have broadened the investigation into the deadly collision between the Norwegian cargo ship Misje Verde and a pleasure boat, designating the pilot of the vessel as a criminal suspect alongside the ship’s master. The pilot, part of the Swedish Maritime Administration’s compulsory pilotage service, is being investigated under the lower threshold of “reasonable suspicion” for negligent navigation leading to a death, though he maintains his innocence.
Recently, a Swedish court ruled to detain the foreign master of Misje Verde on the higher standard of probable cause for causing another’s death, citing flight risks and potential interference with the investigation. Prosecutors have set the indictment deadline for August 14. During the July 28 incident, Misje Verde was under compulsory pilotage, and investigators are examining the pilot’s involvement on the bridge, which has raised questions about shared responsibility.
The collision occurred as Misje Verde overtook the smaller pleasure boat in Hakefjord, striking it from behind and causing it to sink quickly with four people onboard. While two individuals managed to escape and were rescued, another adult and child lost their lives. The ongoing investigation is focused on whether the bridge team adhered to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), particularly looking into compliance with specific rules related to lookout maintenance and vessel overtaking protocols.
Investigation teams have retrieved data from the cargo ship’s Voyage Data Recorder for analysis and gathered additional images reinforcing initial findings that the pleasure boat was effectively run over. Although the operator of the pleasure boat has been interviewed, prosecutors currently do not suspect any navigational violations on his part, emphasizing the tragic loss he has faced. The investigation is still active, with updates expected once further evidence is analyzed.
