21/09/2006
Ferry worker arrested over yacht deaths
A P&O ferry worker has been arrested in connection with the deaths of three sailors, whose bodies were found following the disappearance of their yacht in the English Channel.
The 61-year-old from Dover, who works on the firm's Pride of Bilbao, was arrested on Wednesday, police confirmed.
He was questioned on suspicion of causing manslaughter through gross negligence and later released on bail.
It is understood that he is not the captain of the vessel.
The yacht, Ouzo, disappeared after leaving Bembridge on the Isle of Wight on August 20.
The body of James Meaby, 36, from Tooting, was found two days later, while the bodies of Rupert Saunders, also 36 and from Tooting, and Jason Downer, 35, of Broadstairs were recovered a day later.
No distress call was received from the 27ft yacht and the only remnant discovered from it was a fender.
It was feared that the yacht may have been in collision with a larger vessel, possibly a ferry.
P&O Ferries had handed over the black box recorder from the Pride of Bilbao to investigators and the hull of the ferry was also examined.
(KMcA/EF)
The 61-year-old from Dover, who works on the firm's Pride of Bilbao, was arrested on Wednesday, police confirmed.
He was questioned on suspicion of causing manslaughter through gross negligence and later released on bail.
It is understood that he is not the captain of the vessel.
The yacht, Ouzo, disappeared after leaving Bembridge on the Isle of Wight on August 20.
The body of James Meaby, 36, from Tooting, was found two days later, while the bodies of Rupert Saunders, also 36 and from Tooting, and Jason Downer, 35, of Broadstairs were recovered a day later.
No distress call was received from the 27ft yacht and the only remnant discovered from it was a fender.
It was feared that the yacht may have been in collision with a larger vessel, possibly a ferry.
P&O Ferries had handed over the black box recorder from the Pride of Bilbao to investigators and the hull of the ferry was also examined.
(KMcA/EF)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
24 August 2006
Three bodies recovered from the English Channel
The Coastguard has now recovered three bodies from the English Channel in the search for a missing yacht and its crew. The two bodies were spotted by the Coastguard's rescue helicopter on Wednesday night, five miles south of St. Catherine's Point, just off the southern tip of the Isle of Wight.
Three bodies recovered from the English Channel
The Coastguard has now recovered three bodies from the English Channel in the search for a missing yacht and its crew. The two bodies were spotted by the Coastguard's rescue helicopter on Wednesday night, five miles south of St. Catherine's Point, just off the southern tip of the Isle of Wight.
25 August 2006
English Channel bodies identified
Two bodies discovered in the English Channel in the search for a missing yacht and its three-men crew have been identified.
English Channel bodies identified
Two bodies discovered in the English Channel in the search for a missing yacht and its three-men crew have been identified.
12 December 2007
Ferry Officer Cleared Of Yacht Deaths
A car ferry officer has been found not guilty of the manslaughter of three crewmen who died when their yacht sank in the English Channel. Michael Hubble, 62, was accused of failing to raise the alarm when the P&O car ferry Pride of Bilbao allegedly narrowly missed the yacht Ouzo off the Isle of Wight last year.
Ferry Officer Cleared Of Yacht Deaths
A car ferry officer has been found not guilty of the manslaughter of three crewmen who died when their yacht sank in the English Channel. Michael Hubble, 62, was accused of failing to raise the alarm when the P&O car ferry Pride of Bilbao allegedly narrowly missed the yacht Ouzo off the Isle of Wight last year.
30 August 2006
Ferry examined in yacht-sinking inquiry
Police investigating the deaths of three sailors after the sinking of their yacht are examining a ferry as part of the investigation. Police began examining the P&O ferry Pride of Bilbao on Tuesday night. P&O has also handed over the black box recorder from the ship to police.
Ferry examined in yacht-sinking inquiry
Police investigating the deaths of three sailors after the sinking of their yacht are examining a ferry as part of the investigation. Police began examining the P&O ferry Pride of Bilbao on Tuesday night. P&O has also handed over the black box recorder from the ship to police.
09 February 2007
Ferry officer in court over sailors' deaths
A 61-year-old P&O employee has appeared in court charged with manslaughter, due to gross negligence, of three sailors. Michael Hubble, of Folkestone in Kent, appeared at Portsmouth Magistrates' Court charged with the manslaughter of Jason Downer, James Meaby and Rupert Saunders.
Ferry officer in court over sailors' deaths
A 61-year-old P&O employee has appeared in court charged with manslaughter, due to gross negligence, of three sailors. Michael Hubble, of Folkestone in Kent, appeared at Portsmouth Magistrates' Court charged with the manslaughter of Jason Downer, James Meaby and Rupert Saunders.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.