Russian Captain Jailed for Deadly North Sea Ship Crash
A Russian captain has been sentenced to six years behind bars after his container ship crashed into a US oil tanker in the North Sea, sparking a fiery blaze that killed one crew member. Vladimir Motin, 59, was found guilty of manslaughter by gross negligence at the Old Bailey.
Deadly Collision Sparks Massive Fire
The crash took place in March near the Humber Estuary when Motin’s vessel, the Solong, collided with the American tanker Stena Immaculate. Both ships were carrying highly flammable cargo, igniting a huge fire on the water.
One Crew Member Killed, Body Never Recovered
Mark Angelo Pernia, 38, working at the front of the Solong, died instantly in the blaze. Disturbingly, his body was never found.
Captain Guilty of “Exceptionally Bad Negligence”
During the trial, Motin admitted making a mistake trying to switch off the ship’s autopilot. But prosecutors tore into him for showing “exceptionally bad negligence.”
- He failed to slow down or change course.
- He didn’t call for help or take emergency action.
- He ignored warning signs for over 30 minutes as the ships hurtled toward collision.
Judge Andrew Baker blasted Motin’s defence as “extremely implausible,” condemning his “complacency and arrogance.” Crucially, evidence showed the navigation alert system was switched off and no attempt was made to avoid the smash-up.
Police Slam Captain’s Actions as ‘Tragic and Unnecessary’
Detective Chief Superintendent Craig Nicholson from Humberside Police said after sentencing that Motin “completely failed in his duty.” He called the death “tragic and unnecessary.”
