A 59-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter in connection with a maritime collision between the Portuguese vessel Solong and the US tanker Stena Immaculate in the North Sea.

The incident occurred off the east coast of Yorkshire on Monday, leaving one crew member from the Solong missing and presumed dead after search and rescue operations concluded that evening.

Humberside Police have initiated a criminal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision, collaborating with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch is also conducting an early assessment to determine the causes of the incident.

Detective Chief Superintendent Craig Nicholson confirmed that the arrested individual remains in custody while inquiries proceed.

He expressed condolences to the family of the missing crew member and noted that Family Liaison Officers have been assigned to support them.

Reports indicate that the Stena Immaculate was anchored off the coast of Hull awaiting a berth at the Port of Killingholme when it was struck by the Solong.

According to Crowley, the maritime company managing the Stena Immaculate, the collision caused multiple explosions on board the tanker, resulting in the release of an unspecified amount of Jet A-1 fuel.

At the time of the incident, the Stena Immaculate was transporting 220,000 barrels of jet fuel, stored in 16 segregated cargo tanks, at least one of which was ruptured upon impact.

Transport Minister Mike Kane informed Members of Parliament on Tuesday that the Solong was still ablaze and was anticipated to sink shortly.

Smoke continues to emanate from the vessel, and the government has committed to making every effort to recover the body of the missing mariner.