Russian Captain Charged Following Fatal Collision in the North Sea
The captain of a container ship involved in a tragic collision with a US oil tanker in the North Sea has been formally charged with gross negligence manslaughter. This charge follows the unfortunate death of a crew member during the incident. The accused, Vladimir Motin, 59, hails from Primorsky, St Petersburg, and is scheduled to appear at Hull Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, as confirmed by Humberside Police.
The Crown Prosecution Service has reported that the deceased individual, Mark Angelo Pernia, a 38-year-old Filipino national, lost his life after the crash between the container ship Solong and the oil tanker Stena Immaculate off the east coast of Yorkshire. Fortunately, 36 crew members from both vessels were able to make it safely ashore.
In a statement from Humberside Police, it was revealed: “An investigation, supported by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), into the collision between a tanker and a cargo vessel in the North Sea, off the coast of East Yorkshire, has led to the charging of a man.” Emergency services were alerted to the incident at approximately 11 AM on Monday, when a crew member was initially reported missing. Extensive search efforts conducted by HM Coastguard were initiated, but it is now presumed that the individual has tragically passed away.
The police further stated, “The family are being supported by specially trained officers, and our thoughts remain with them during this incredibly difficult time.” Earlier, magistrates granted an extension to hold Motin due to the complexities surrounding the incident. He was arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter just hours after the collision.
As of now, the Stena Immaculate remains anchored at the crash site, approximately 12 miles off the East Yorkshire coast near Withernsea, while the Solong has since drifted southward and is now visible off the Lincolnshire coast. Chief Coastguard Paddy O’Callaghan reported that both vessels are currently “stable,” and salvors have boarded them to assess the extent of the damage.
“There are only small, periodic pockets of fire on the Solong that are not causing undue concern,” O’Callaghan stated, adding that specialized tugs equipped with firefighting capabilities are on standby. Aerial surveillance continues to monitor the situation for potential pollution, and the UK Health Security Agency has evaluated the public health risk on shore as “very low.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer addressed the situation on Thursday, indicating that it was “reasonably contained.” When pressed about the possibility of a Cobra meeting to evaluate environmental risks, he assured the public, “We are absolutely monitoring this 24/7, with teams ensuring that we are up to date on the situation. At the moment, the situation is reasonably contained, and we will do whatever is necessary.”
The Crown Prosecution Service has reminded the public that “criminal proceedings against this defendant are now active” and cautioned against any reporting or commentary that could potentially jeopardize the fairness of the trial.
