Russian captain of ship that collided with U.S. tanker charged with manslaughter
British Police Charge Russian Captain Over Crew Member’s Death in Collision with U.S. Tanker
In a tragic incident that has shocked the maritime industry, British police have charged the Russian captain of a cargo ship involved in a collision with a U.S. tanker over the death of a crew member who is now presumed dead. Vladimir Motin, the master of the Portugal-flagged cargo vessel Solong, will be appearing in Hull Magistrates’ Court on Saturday to face charges of “gross negligence manslaughter,” according to Humberside Police.
Motin, 59, hailing from Primorsky, St. Petersburg, was arrested in northeast England following the collision with the MV Stena Immaculate, a tanker carrying jet fuel for the U.S. military in the North Sea. The missing crew member, identified as Filipino national Mark Angelo Pernia, is now presumed to have lost his life in the tragic incident.
The Crown Prosecution Service has authorized the charges against Motin, emphasizing the severity of the situation. The shipping company Ernst Russ, which owns the Solong, has confirmed that the crew consisted of Russian and Filipino nationals. Despite the tragic outcome, authorities have stated that there is currently no indication of any national security implications related to the incident.
The U.K. Marine Accident Investigation Branch is actively involved in determining the cause of the collision between the Solong and the anchored tanker. The investigation, led by the U.S. and Portugal, where the vessels are registered, aims to shed light on the circumstances that led to the fatal incident.
Recent port inspection documents have revealed concerning deficiencies on the Solong, including steering-related issues and maintenance lapses. Inspections in Dublin and Scotland had flagged multiple safety concerns, yet the vessel was not detained following these findings.
As the investigation continues, the maritime community mourns the loss of life and awaits further developments in this tragic maritime disaster. Our thoughts are with the families of the crew members affected by this heartbreaking event.
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