A Russian captain receives six years for gross negligence manslaughter after a North Sea collision killed a seaman and caused an eight-day fire.
A Russian ship captain has been sentenced to six years in prison for gross negligence manslaughter after a collision in the North Sea killed a Filipino seaman and sparked an eight-day fire, reports Ventura, California's gCaptain.
Vladimir Motin, 59, from St Petersburg, was convicted at London's Old Bailey over the death of Solong crew member Mark Angelo Pernia, who died instantly when the containership struck the anchored US-flagged tanker Stena Immaculate on 10 March 2025. Pernia's body was never recovered.
Mr. Justice Andrew Baker said Motin had shown 'blatant disregard' for risk and failed to keep a proper lookout. The judge described his account as 'implausible' and stated that Pernia's death was 'wholly avoidable.' Motin will be eligible for parole after serving four years.
The collision breached the tanker's cargo tank, releasing 220,000 barrels of aviation fuel that ignited and engulfed both vessels. Prosecutors indicated that Motin had switched off the bridge navigation watch alert system and failed to take evasive action despite radar showing the tanker for 36 minutes before impact.
All 36 surviving crew members were rescued by HM Coastguard. Solong burned for eight days before being towed to Aberdeen. Although aviation fuel spilled into the sea, long-term pollution appears limited.
The UK's Marine Accident Investigation Branch continues to probe navigation practices and fatigue management. Civil litigation is underway at London's High Court against Solong's owner.
