In a landmark maritime trial concluding Monday, Russian captain Vladimir Motin was convicted of gross negligence manslaughter for his role in a catastrophic collision between cargo vessel Solong and U.S. oil tanker Stena Immaculate. The incident occurred March 10, 2025, in the North Sea off northeast England while both ships carried highly flammable cargo.
The court heard how Motin, 59, from St. Petersburg, was serving as sole watch officer aboard the 130-meter Solong when it struck the anchored 183-meter U.S. military jet fuel tanker at 15.2 knots. The impact triggered an enormous blaze that burned relentlessly for eight days, consuming both vessels in a fireball visible for miles.
Tragically, 38-year-old Filipino crew member Mark Angelo Pernia, who was working on the Solong’s bow at the moment of impact, perished instantly. His remains were never recovered from the wreckage.
Prosecutors presented compelling evidence demonstrating Motin’s failure to execute basic safety protocols during the crisis. The Russian captain neglected to summon assistance, reduce speed, sound collision alarms, or initiate emergency stopping procedures. CCTV footage and audio recordings revealed a startling minute of silence from the bridge before impact, followed by panicked transmissions from the U.S. tanker crew reporting ‘fire, fire, fire.’
Senior specialist prosecutor Michael Gregory characterized the incident as ‘a tragic and entirely avoidable death caused by truly, exceptionally bad negligence,’ noting it was ‘extremely fortunate that no one else was killed.’
Rescue teams successfully evacuated 36 personnel from both vessels following the collision. The Solong was transporting alcoholic spirits and hazardous materials destined for Rotterdam, while the Stena Immaculate carried jet fuel for U.S. military operations.
Motin, who prosecutors allege falsified accounts of the incident, will face sentencing on Thursday.