Russian Captain Gets 6 Years for Fatal North Sea Tanker Crash

Maritime Tragedy Leads to Prison Sentence

A Russian cargo ship captain has been sentenced to six years in prison for the death of a Filipino crew member in a catastrophic North Sea collision that could have been avoided with basic maritime vigilance. Vladimir Motin, 59, was convicted of gross negligence manslaughter after his vessel, the Solong, collided with the anchored US tanker Stena Immaculate on March 10, 2025, off the East Yorkshire coast.

The Fatal Collision

The incident occurred when the Solong, a Portuguese-flagged cargo ship transporting alcoholic spirits and hazardous materials including empty sodium cyanide containers, was en route from Scotland to Rotterdam. The Stena Immaculate, carrying approximately 220,000 barrels of aviation fuel (kerosene), was anchored near Hull in northern England when the collision created a massive fireball that engulfed both vessels.

Filipino crew member Mark Angelo Pernia, 38, was lost at sea following the impact. His body was never recovered, and he left behind a five-year-old child and a pregnant wife who gave birth to their second child after his presumed death. 'This was a wholly avoidable tragedy,' said Judge Andrew Baker during sentencing at the Old Bailey in London.

Thirty Minutes of Inaction

Prosecutors presented compelling evidence that Captain Motin failed to take any action despite having approximately 30 minutes to avoid the collision. Radar data showed the Stena Immaculate was visible from 9 nautical miles away, and visual contact was possible from 3 miles. Yet Motin, who was alone on watch duty, made no course corrections, didn't sound alarms, and didn't summon assistance.

'The defendant did nothing to avoid the collision despite being a highly trained sailor with 15 years of experience captaining the Solong,' prosecutors stated. Audio evidence revealed 63 seconds of 'abstract silence' on the Solong's bridge after impact, while the Stena Immaculate's crew immediately sounded alarms and took emergency actions.

Safety Systems Disabled

Investigators discovered that Motin had disabled the bridge navigation alert system, ignored multiple warnings, and failed to use available means to determine collision risk. His defense claimed he tried to take the ship off autopilot but couldn't, though the judge called this account 'extremely implausible.'

WhatsApp messages presented in court showed Motin anticipating being found guilty and discussing creating an alibi with his wife. 'He showed blatant disregard for the very high risk of death,' Judge Baker remarked, describing Motin as 'an accident waiting to happen.'

Broader Maritime Safety Implications

The case has raised significant questions about maritime safety protocols and single-person watch duties. The International Maritime Organization (IMO), the UN agency responsible for shipping safety, has long-established regulations requiring proper watchkeeping and collision avoidance.

This incident follows other high-profile maritime accidents and comes amid increasing scrutiny of shipping safety in busy waterways like the North Sea. The area sees thousands of vessel transits annually, carrying everything from consumer goods to hazardous materials.

The six-year sentence sends a strong message about accountability in the maritime industry. As one maritime safety expert noted, 'When captains fail in their fundamental duty of care, the consequences can be catastrophic not just for their crew, but for the environment and other vessels.'