Russian Captain Jailed for Six Years Over Fatal North Sea Collision
Published 5 February 2026
Highlights
- Vladimir Motin, a Russian ship captain, was sentenced to six years for gross negligence manslaughter after a fatal collision in the North Sea.
- The crash involved the Solong, captained by Motin, and the stationary tanker Stena Immaculate, resulting in the death of crew member Mark Angelo Pernia.
- The Old Bailey trial revealed Motin's failure to maintain a proper lookout, which led to the collision and explosion.
- Motin's defense argued his actions did not constitute gross negligence, but the judge found his account "extremely implausible."
- Pernia's widow expressed the profound impact of the loss on her family, emphasizing the tragedy's avoidability.
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Rewritten Article
Russian Captain Jailed for Six Years Over Fatal North Sea Collision
Vladimir Motin, a Russian ship captain, has been sentenced to six years in prison following a catastrophic collision in the North Sea that resulted in the death of a crew member. The incident, which occurred on March 10, 2025, involved the cargo ship Solong, under Motin's command, and the stationary US tanker Stena Immaculate off the coast of East Yorkshire.
Collision and Consequences
The Old Bailey in London heard that Motin, 59, failed to maintain a proper lookout, leading to the collision that caused an explosion and the death of 38-year-old Mark Angelo Pernia. Pernia, a Filipino national, was presumed dead after the incident, leaving behind a widow and two young children. The court was told that the Solong's radar had detected the tanker 36 minutes before the crash, yet no evasive action was taken.
Trial and Sentencing
During the trial, Mr. Justice Andrew Baker described Motin as a "serious accident waiting to happen," citing his complacency and arrogance as contributing factors. Despite Motin's defense claiming he had pressed the wrong button in an attempt to avoid the collision, the judge dismissed his account as "extremely implausible." Prosecutor Julia Faure-Walker argued that Motin had lied about the events to return to his wife in Russia, a claim supported by messages he sent following the crash.
Impact and Reactions
Pernia's widow, Leacel, delivered a poignant victim impact statement, highlighting the irreplaceable loss and its effect on her family. Defense barrister James Leonard KC acknowledged Motin's remorse and emphasized his previously unblemished record, describing the incident as an aberration. However, Det Ch Supt Craig Nicholson of Humberside Police criticized Motin's lack of remorse throughout the investigation and trial.
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Scenario Analysis
The sentencing of Vladimir Motin underscores the critical importance of maritime safety and the severe consequences of negligence at sea. This case may prompt a reevaluation of safety protocols and training for ship captains to prevent similar tragedies. Legal experts suggest that the ruling could set a precedent for future cases involving gross negligence in maritime incidents. Additionally, the emotional testimony from Pernia's family highlights the human cost of such accidents, potentially influencing policy changes to better support victims' families.
Vladimir Motin, a Russian ship captain, has been sentenced to six years in prison following a catastrophic collision in the North Sea that resulted in the death of a crew member. The incident, which occurred on March 10, 2025, involved the cargo ship Solong, under Motin's command, and the stationary US tanker Stena Immaculate off the coast of East Yorkshire.
Collision and Consequences
The Old Bailey in London heard that Motin, 59, failed to maintain a proper lookout, leading to the collision that caused an explosion and the death of 38-year-old Mark Angelo Pernia. Pernia, a Filipino national, was presumed dead after the incident, leaving behind a widow and two young children. The court was told that the Solong's radar had detected the tanker 36 minutes before the crash, yet no evasive action was taken.
Trial and Sentencing
During the trial, Mr. Justice Andrew Baker described Motin as a "serious accident waiting to happen," citing his complacency and arrogance as contributing factors. Despite Motin's defense claiming he had pressed the wrong button in an attempt to avoid the collision, the judge dismissed his account as "extremely implausible." Prosecutor Julia Faure-Walker argued that Motin had lied about the events to return to his wife in Russia, a claim supported by messages he sent following the crash.
Impact and Reactions
Pernia's widow, Leacel, delivered a poignant victim impact statement, highlighting the irreplaceable loss and its effect on her family. Defense barrister James Leonard KC acknowledged Motin's remorse and emphasized his previously unblemished record, describing the incident as an aberration. However, Det Ch Supt Craig Nicholson of Humberside Police criticized Motin's lack of remorse throughout the investigation and trial.
What this might mean
The sentencing of Vladimir Motin underscores the critical importance of maritime safety and the severe consequences of negligence at sea. This case may prompt a reevaluation of safety protocols and training for ship captains to prevent similar tragedies. Legal experts suggest that the ruling could set a precedent for future cases involving gross negligence in maritime incidents. Additionally, the emotional testimony from Pernia's family highlights the human cost of such accidents, potentially influencing policy changes to better support victims' families.
