Captain charged after tragic North Sea collision kills sailor

In the North Sea, off the coast of East Yorkshire, a serious maritime incident occurred on March 10, 2025, involving the Stena Immaculate, an oil tanker, and the Solong, a cargo ship. The Stena Immaculate was anchored approximately 16 miles from East Yorkshire when the Solong collided with it at a speed of approximately 16 knots. Both vessels were reportedly operating in patchy visibility conditions that ranged from 0.25 nautical miles to 2.0 nautical miles. The crash led to a breach in the Stena Immaculate's cargo tank, resulting in aviation fuel spilling into the ocean and igniting due to the collision's impact. Tragically, one crew member from the Solong, a Filipino national named Mark Pernia, is missing and has been presumed dead since the incident. The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) issued a preliminary report indicating that neither the Stena Immaculate nor the Solong had dedicated lookouts on their bridges at the time of the incident, raising concerns about navigational and watchkeeping practices on both ships. In response to the collision, emergency protocols were activated, with all crew members from both vessels evacuated to lifeboats. Fortunately, they were subsequently rescued by local boats and emergency responders. The investigation is ongoing, involving an assessment of navigational practices, vessel maintenance, crew fatigue, and environmental conditions during the incident. The investigation into the collision has highlighted broader questions about maritime safety regulations regarding crew vigilance in challenging conditions. The MAIB's full investigation aims to address significant concerns regarding the environmental impact resulting from the oil spill and the overall safety of the anchorage area utilized by vessels waiting to enter the Humber Estuary. Additionally, the Solong's captain, Vladimir Motin, has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter, with his trial set to commence in January 2026. The outcome of these proceedings could have far-reaching implications for maritime regulations, particularly regarding accountability when safety protocols are not followed. As the salvage operations continue, experts are assessing the extent of the pollution from both vessels and the potential long-term environmental effects on the marine ecosystem. This tragic event underscores the critical importance of maintaining proper watchkeeping practices and ensuring that vessels operate with dedicated lookouts, especially in reduced visibility conditions. The maritime community, as well as environmental groups, remain vigilant as the investigation unfolds, hoping that new regulations will emerge to prevent similar incidents in the future.