Backcrime
Captain guilty of North Sea tanker crash death
Russian captain Vladimir Motin found guilty of gross negligence manslaughter after his ship Solong collided with anchored oil tanker Stena Immaculate near Humber Estuary, killing crew member Mark Angelo Pernia.
Why It Matters
The collision involved flammable cargo, highlighting maritime safety risks and accountability for ship captains; it resulted in a death and could influence shipping regulations.
Timeline
3 Events
Captain found guilty
February 2, 2026
Old Bailey jury finds Vladimir Motin guilty of gross negligence manslaughter after eight-hour deliberation.
Crew abandons ship
March 10, 2025
Motin and Solong crew abandon ship and are brought ashore in Grimsby; Motin messages his wife that he would be 'guilty'.
Collision occurs
March 10, 2025 at 9:47am
Solong, under Captain Vladimir Motin's sole watch, collides with anchored Stena Immaculate at 15.2 knots; Mark Angelo Pernia dies instantly on Solong's bow in the fire, body never recovered.