Captain Found Guilty of North Sea Tanker Crash Death
The captain of a cargo ship, Vladimir Motin, has been found guilty of gross negligence manslaughter following a tragic collision in the North Sea. The incident occurred on March 10, 2025, when the cargo ship Solong collided with the US tanker Stena Immaculate off the East Yorkshire coast, resulting in the presumed death of 38-year-old crew member Mark Angelo Pernia.
Key Details of the Case
– Collision Overview:
– The Solong was under the command of 59-year-old Motin, who was the sole individual on watch duty at the time of the incident.
– The Stena Immaculate was transporting over 220,000 barrels of aviation fuel from Greece to the UK.
– Trial Findings:
– During the trial at the Old Bailey in London, evidence revealed that Motin failed to maintain a proper lookout and did not utilize all available resources to assess the risk of collision.
– The jury deliberated for more than eight hours, reaching a unanimous guilty verdict.
– Prosecutor’s Statements:
– Prosecutor Tom Little KC emphasized the devastating impact of the incident on Pernia’s family, noting that his wife was seven months pregnant at the time.
– The court heard that the tanker was visible on the Solong’s radar for 36 minutes before the collision, yet Motin did not take any action to avoid the crash.
– Immediate Reactions:
– Crew members aboard the Stena Immaculate reported a shocking moment of impact, with one saying, Holy shit… what just hit us… this is no drill.
– In stark contrast, there was a significant delay in Motin’s response on the Solong, with lengthy silence reported before he acted.
– Aftermath and Response:
– Following the crash, Motin abandoned ship and was later taken ashore in Grimsby, where he reportedly messaged his wife regarding his guilt but denied being asleep at the time of the crash.
Court’s Perspective on Motin’s Actions
– The prosecution argued that Motin’s actions constituted truly, exceptionally bad negligence.
– Defense barristers conceded Motin’s fault but maintained that this did not meet the threshold for gross negligence manslaughter.
– Prosecutor Julia Faure-Walker highlighted Motin’s lax attitude, suggesting he believed he was above protocol and failed to switch from autopilot to manual steering despite being capable.
Consequences and Reflections
Detective Chief Superintendent Craig Nicholson of Humberside Police described the incident as a senseless tragedy, noting the potential for much worse harm. Michael Gregory from the Crown Prosecution Service expressed condolences, emphasizing the unnecessary loss of life and the lasting impact on Pernia’s family, whose loved one was simply doing his job that day.
As the legal proceedings conclude, the story of the North Sea tanker crash serves as a sobering reminder of the critical importance of vigilance and accountability at sea. With sentencing scheduled soon, the ramifications of this incident will reverberate through the maritime community, underscoring the essential need for diligence and adherence to safety protocols to prevent such tragedies in the future.