A trial at London's Old Bailey reveals shocking negligence by Captain Motin in a fatal container ship collision that killed a sailor.
London's historic Old Bailey Criminal Court is hosting a case that has shaken the maritime world and redefined the boundaries of 'gross negligence.' In the trial concerning a container ship accident that resulted in the death of a sailor in the North Sea in March 2025, details emerging about Russian captain Vladimir Motin have caused a shock in the courtroom.
Not an Invisible Danger, but a Chain of Negligence
The prosecution claimed that 59-year-old Motin, captain of the Portuguese-flagged vessel Solong, 'did nothing' to prevent the impending disaster before colliding with the Stena Immaculate tanker, which was carrying jet fuel for the U.S. military. According to data presented to the court by prosecutor Tom Little KC, the ship's radar had clearly detected the opposing tanker a full 36 minutes before the collision. However, at that time, Captain Motin, who was on watch alone on the bridge, made no moves to change course or reduce speed. Even more alarming, it was revealed that the captain had disabled the bridge alarm system, designed to prevent watchkeepers from falling asleep or becoming distracted, months before the accident.
No Warning Given to the Crew
The captain's negligence cost the life of 38-year-old Filipino sailor Mark Angela Pernia. Pernia, who was stationed at the bow of the ship at the time of the collision, lost his life due to the severity of the impact, which occurred at a speed of approximately 18 miles (16 knots), with no warning given to him. The prosecutor argued that the captain clearly violated his 'duty of care' towards the crew and left the personnel to face death by failing to sound an alarm despite the impending collision.
Source: www.denizhaber.com
