Ferry officer held for yacht tragedy

An officer on a P&O ferry was yesterday arrested on suspicion of manslaughter after three men drowned when their yacht sank in the Channel in a suspected collision.

The 61-year-old man, who has not been named, is the second officer on the car ferry the Pride of Bilbao.

P&O said yesterday that his duties included acting as the officer of the watch – or look-out – on the bridge of the ship.

The man, from Dover, was arrested at a police station in Hampshire on suspicion of causing manslaughter through gross negligence. He was released on bail.