Misje Verde captain and pilot face trial for fatal Tjörn collision

The trial has commenced in Gothenburg District Court regarding a fatal maritime collision that occurred off the coast of Tjörn on July 28. The captain of the Norwegian-registered cargo ship Misje Verde and a Swedish pilot are facing charges of manslaughter, causing bodily harm, and negligence in maritime traffic.

The accident involved the Misje Verde colliding with a recreational motorboat carrying a family of four. While the father and son were rescued, the mother and daughter lost their lives. Investigations by the Accident Investigation Authority indicated that the cargo ship, traveling at approximately 12 knots, failed to notice the smaller vessel despite it being clearly visible on radar.

During court proceedings, the surviving father provided emotional testimony, describing the moment the ship’s bulb approached and the subsequent struggle to survive. Additionally, the father’s brother, who was in a separate boat nearby, testified about the proximity of the large vessel during the incident. Both the captain and the pilot deny all criminal charges.