Russian Ship Captain Charged After Deadly North Sea Collision
The captain of a Russian container ship has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter following a deadly crash with a US-flagged oil tanker in the North Sea. Vladimir Motin, 59, from St Petersburg, appeared at Hull Magistrates’ Court on Saturday (March 15) after the tragedy that claimed the life of Filipino crew member Mark Angelo Pernia, 38.
Deadly Crash Sparks Fireball Off Yorkshire Coast
Motin was at the helm of the Portugal-registered cargo vessel Solong when it rammed the US-registered oil tanker Stena Immaculate off the East Yorkshire coast on March 10. The smash caused extensive damage and triggered massive fires on both ships.
- 36 crew members scrambled to evacuate amid the blaze.
- Some suffered singed hair but escaped serious injury.
- Mark Angelo Pernia was initially missing and is now presumed dead after coastguard searches.
Water flooded the tanker’s hull, while the burned-out Solong drifted south, still smouldering days later. Small fires continue to flicker on its decks, though authorities say the situation is now under control.
Court Hearing Reveals Serious Failures
The Crown Prosecution Service claims Motin’s “gross negligence” led to the deadly collision. Thousands of litres of jet fuel spilled into the sea, sparking environmental concerns, though UK health officials currently judge the public health risk as low.
Frank Ferguson, head of CPS Special Crime and Counter Terrorism, said: “We have authorised Humberside Police to charge a Russian national in relation to a collision involving two vessels in the North Sea off the east coast of England. Filipino national Mark Angelo Pernia, 38, died following the incident.”
Ongoing Investigations and Rescue Efforts
The crash happened 12 miles offshore near Withernsea. The oil tanker remains anchored while Solong was towed closer to the Lincolnshire coast for salvage operations. Coastguard chief Paddy O’Callaghan confirmed only minor fires remain and specialist tugs with firefighting gear are on site. Aerial surveillance and pollution checks continue.
Russian Embassy Steps In
The Russian Embassy in London reported five Russian nationals among Solong‘s crew, including Motin. The embassy confirmed all others are uninjured and that the captain is receiving legal and consular support.
“The Embassy is in close contact with British authorities and the captain’s family,” the statement said.
Eyewitnesses Recall Chaos at Sea
US crew from the Stena Immaculate described a terrifying ordeal:
“A massive ship came out of the blue… it kept driving into us for about ten minutes. We just reacted on instinct, thanks to our emergency drills.”
All 23 US crew members made it to safety.
Legal Battle Ahead
Motin remains in custody and is set for a preliminary hearing in a higher court soon. The CPS warns against public commentary that could jeopardise the trial. Investigations are far from over, with forensic work and witness interviews ongoing both at sea and onshore.
