Russian captain charged after North Sea tanker collision kills crew member

In the North Sea, off the east coast of England, a tragic collision occurred between the Portuguese-flagged cargo vessel Solong and the US-flagged oil tanker Stena Immaculate on a Monday morning. The Solong, helmed by Captain Vladimir Motin, was traveling at high speeds when it struck the anchored Stena Immaculate, which was transporting a large quantity of jet fuel. Following the impact, a fire broke out on both vessels, leading to a significant rescue operation that saved most crew members. However, one crew member, 38-year-old Filipino Mark Angelo Pernia, remains missing and is presumed dead after an explosion on the Solong's forward deck. Continued searches yielded no results, prompting authorities to officially declare him presumed dead. The situation emphasizes the serious threat posed by commercial shipping in ecologically sensitive marine regions, as well as the ongoing risks associated with fossil fuel transport. Following the incident, Captain Motin was charged with gross negligence manslaughter by British police, leading to his remand in custody. He will appear in court again in April 2025 to face these charges, while investigations are ongoing to determine the specifics of the collision and any contributing factors, including past safety deficiencies associated with the Solong.