The Norwegian-registered cargo ship Misje Verde was en route from Uddevalla to Kragerø in Norway. In addition to the Russian master, there was also a Swedish pilot on the ship's bridge.
However, neither man noticed that the cargo ship was about to catch up with a recreational motorboat, even though, according to the Swedish Accident Investigation Board, the boat was clearly visible on radar.
It ended in a tragic accident.
Four people - a couple and their two young children - were on board the pleasure boat. The man and his son were rescued, but the woman and daughter died in the accident.
The trial against the captain and pilot begins on Thursday in Gothenburg District Court. Both men are charged with causing death, causing bodily harm and negligence in maritime traffic. Both deny the charges.
Two people died in the serious boat accident on July 28, on the Hakefjord between Tjörn and the mainland.
The Norwegian-registered cargo ship Misje Verde was en route from Uddevalla to Kragerø in Norway and, according to an initial report from the Swedish Accident Investigation Board, was travelling at a speed of approximately 12 knots.
On approximately the same course further along the fairway, two recreational boats were travelling at a slower speed.
At the height of the island of Katten, Misje Verde caught up with one of the pleasure boats, which immediately sank when it was hit. A few minutes later, the cargo ship also passed the other pleasure boat at close range.
The family on board the sunken pleasure boat - a couple and their two younger children - ended up in the water. The father and son were rescued, but the mother and daughter were found dead on July 29 and 30, respectively.
On July 30, the Russian commander was arrested on board the Misje Verde and remanded in custody a few days later. On August 4, it emerged that the Swedish pilot who had been on board was also suspected of the crime.
On August 28, prosecutor James von Reis indicted both men on suspicion of causing death, causing bodily harm, and negligence in maritime traffic. Both deny the crime and blame each other during interrogations.
