Swedish pilot suspected in fatal collision that killed woman and child

A Swedish pilot has been named a suspect in a fatal maritime collision that claimed the lives of a woman and a child. The pilot, employed by the Swedish Maritime Administration, was on board the Norwegian-flagged cargo ship Misje Verde when it allegedly struck a recreational boat between the islands of Katten and Lovön, southeast of Tjörn, on July 28.

While the pilot was on duty from 7:00 PM until 10:30 PM, the collision is believed to have occurred between 9:15 PM and 9:30 PM. Neither the pilot nor the ship's 50-year-old captain noticed the impact. A man and another child survived the incident and were hospitalized with injuries.

The ship's captain, a Russian national, has been in custody since Sunday, facing charges of manslaughter and gross negligence in maritime traffic. The pilot was removed from duty and offered crisis support by his employer. On Tuesday, August 4, the pilot was formally informed of the same suspicions.

Prosecutors suggest the recreational boat and the cargo ship were traveling on the same course for an extended period. The cargo ship, moving at 12.3 to 12.1 knots, allegedly overtook the smaller boat, striking its stern forcefully. The impact caused the recreational boat to be swamped and sink.

However, the captain's lawyer, Taavi Tuula, disputes this theory, stating there is no evidence of damage to the recreational boat consistent with a rear-end collision. He argues that such a forceful impact from a large vessel should have pulverized the smaller boat. Tuula also indicated he has an alternative theory about the incident but declined to share it.

“

My client was already abroad, on vacation, when she was informed of the measures taken against her. She only plans to return to France when the expulsion order has been suspended or canceled.