Russian Captain Convicted in Fatal North Sea Tanker Collision
Published 2 February 2026
Highlights
- Vladimir Motin, captain of the Solong, was found guilty of gross negligence manslaughter after a collision with the Stena Immaculate tanker.
- The crash occurred on March 10, 2025, off the East Yorkshire coast, resulting in the presumed death of crew member Mark Angelo Pernia.
- The jury at the Old Bailey deliberated for over eight hours before delivering a unanimous guilty verdict.
- Prosecutors highlighted Motin's failure to take evasive action despite the tanker being visible on radar for 36 minutes.
- The collision posed significant environmental risks due to the hazardous cargo on both vessels.
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Rewritten Article
Headline: Russian Captain Convicted in Fatal North Sea Tanker Collision
In a significant legal development, Vladimir Motin, the Russian captain of the cargo ship Solong, has been convicted of gross negligence manslaughter following a fatal collision with the Stena Immaculate tanker in the North Sea. The incident, which occurred on March 10, 2025, off the East Yorkshire coast, resulted in the presumed death of 38-year-old crew member Mark Angelo Pernia.
Details of the Collision
The Old Bailey in London heard that Motin, 59, was the sole watch officer on the Solong when it collided with the Stena Immaculate near the Humber estuary. Despite the tanker being visible on radar for 36 minutes, Motin failed to take necessary evasive actions, leading to the tragic incident. The Solong was carrying a hazardous mix of alcoholic spirits and unclean sodium cyanide containers, while the Stena Immaculate was laden with over 220,000 barrels of aviation fuel, highlighting the potential for a catastrophic environmental disaster.
Court Proceedings and Verdict
After more than eight hours of deliberation, the jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict, finding Motin's actions amounted to gross negligence. Prosecutor Tom Little KC emphasized the avoidable nature of the tragedy, stating that Pernia would still be alive if not for Motin's reckless behavior. The court also heard emotional testimony regarding Pernia's family, including his pregnant wife in the Philippines, who will watch the sentencing proceedings online.
Defense and Reactions
During the trial, Motin's defense argued that his actions were a result of human error rather than gross negligence. However, the prosecution countered, pointing out Motin's failure to alert the crew or initiate a crash stop. The collision was described by DCS Craig Nicholson of Humberside police as a "simple, senseless tragedy," with the potential for more severe consequences.
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Scenario Analysis
The conviction of Vladimir Motin underscores the critical importance of maritime safety and the severe consequences of negligence at sea. As the sentencing approaches, the case may prompt a reevaluation of safety protocols and training for maritime personnel to prevent similar incidents. Legal experts suggest that this verdict could set a precedent for future cases involving gross negligence in maritime operations. Additionally, the environmental risks highlighted by the hazardous cargo involved may lead to stricter regulations on the transportation of dangerous goods by sea.
In a significant legal development, Vladimir Motin, the Russian captain of the cargo ship Solong, has been convicted of gross negligence manslaughter following a fatal collision with the Stena Immaculate tanker in the North Sea. The incident, which occurred on March 10, 2025, off the East Yorkshire coast, resulted in the presumed death of 38-year-old crew member Mark Angelo Pernia.
Details of the Collision
The Old Bailey in London heard that Motin, 59, was the sole watch officer on the Solong when it collided with the Stena Immaculate near the Humber estuary. Despite the tanker being visible on radar for 36 minutes, Motin failed to take necessary evasive actions, leading to the tragic incident. The Solong was carrying a hazardous mix of alcoholic spirits and unclean sodium cyanide containers, while the Stena Immaculate was laden with over 220,000 barrels of aviation fuel, highlighting the potential for a catastrophic environmental disaster.
Court Proceedings and Verdict
After more than eight hours of deliberation, the jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict, finding Motin's actions amounted to gross negligence. Prosecutor Tom Little KC emphasized the avoidable nature of the tragedy, stating that Pernia would still be alive if not for Motin's reckless behavior. The court also heard emotional testimony regarding Pernia's family, including his pregnant wife in the Philippines, who will watch the sentencing proceedings online.
Defense and Reactions
During the trial, Motin's defense argued that his actions were a result of human error rather than gross negligence. However, the prosecution countered, pointing out Motin's failure to alert the crew or initiate a crash stop. The collision was described by DCS Craig Nicholson of Humberside police as a "simple, senseless tragedy," with the potential for more severe consequences.
What this might mean
The conviction of Vladimir Motin underscores the critical importance of maritime safety and the severe consequences of negligence at sea. As the sentencing approaches, the case may prompt a reevaluation of safety protocols and training for maritime personnel to prevent similar incidents. Legal experts suggest that this verdict could set a precedent for future cases involving gross negligence in maritime operations. Additionally, the environmental risks highlighted by the hazardous cargo involved may lead to stricter regulations on the transportation of dangerous goods by sea.
