Russian captain pleads not guilty in fatal tanker collision

On March 10, 2025, a maritime incident occurred in the North Sea involving a Portuguese-registered container ship named Solong, which was captained by Vladimir Motin. During this collision, the Solong struck the Stena Immaculate, a US oil tanker, situated near the Humber Estuary. Tragically, this accident resulted in the presumed death of crew member Mark Pernia, a Filipino national. The collision took place approximately 10.2 nautical miles from the coast at around 9:47 AM, leading to an explosion on the Solong where Mark Pernia was working. The collision occurred with significant impact, as the Solong was navigating at a speed of roughly 15 knots at the time of the incident. Following the crash, the legal proceedings commenced shortly afterward. Vladimir Motin, aged 59 and from St. Petersburg, was charged with one count of gross negligence manslaughter just days after the incident. During his recent court appearance on May 30, 2025, Motin, assisted by an interpreter, formally pleaded not guilty to this charge, prompting further legal actions and a future court date regarding the case. Motin's plea was made via video link from HMP Hull to the Old Bailey, where he confirmed his identity before Judge Mark Lucraft KC. The implications of this incident extend beyond the immediate tragedy. All 23 crew members aboard the Stena Immaculate were rescued successfully, along with 13 crew members from the Solong; however, Mark Pernia remains missing and is presumed to be dead due to the explosion and subsequent conditions at the crash site. The seriousness of the charges against Motin reflects the legal system's approach to maritime negligence, particularly in cases that result in fatalities or serious injury. As the trial date is set for January 12, 2026, upcoming hearings will address the circumstances surrounding the crash and the legal ramifications for Vladimir Motin. The collision has raised discussions on maritime safety practices and accountability for operations at sea, particularly concerning vessels carrying hazardous materials such as military jet fuel. Understanding the full scope of this case may lead to a reassessment of regulations that govern maritime navigation and the responsibilities of ship captains during critical operations.