Full Breakdown
Trial of Captain Vladimir Motin Over Fatal Collision with US Tanker
1/13/2026, 11:51:36 PM
Overview of the Incident
The trial of Captain Vladimir Motin, 59, commenced at London's Old Bailey regarding a fatal collision between his container ship, the Solong, and the US oil tanker Stena Immaculate on March 10, 2025. The incident occurred off the East Yorkshire coast, resulting in the presumed death of Mark Angelo Pernia, a 38-year-old crew member of the Solong, whose body has never been recovered. Prosecutors allege that Motin's actions constituted gross negligence, leading to an "entirely avoidable" tragedy.
Details of the Collision
Prosecutor Tom Little outlined that the Solong was on a direct collision course with the Stena Immaculate for over 30 minutes prior to the crash. The Solong was carrying primarily alcoholic beverages and hazardous materials, including unclean sodium cyanide containers, while the Stena Immaculate was transporting over 220,000 barrels of high-grade aviation fuel. At approximately 9:47 AM, the Solong collided with the anchored Stena Immaculate, igniting a fire that spread across both vessels.
Captain's Responsibilities and Actions
Motin was on sole watch duty at the time of the incident, responsible for navigating the ship. Little emphasized that Motin had a "constellation of information" indicating the need for evasive action, yet he failed to alter the vessel's course. The court heard that the ship's alarm system, designed to ensure someone was present on the bridge, had been deactivated. Furthermore, Motin did not alert his crew or the Stena Immaculate of the impending collision.
Prosecutor's Argument
Little asserted that Pernia's death was a direct result of Motin's negligence, stating, "He would still be alive if it was not for the grossly negligent conduct of the man in the dock." He highlighted that the captain's failure to act was not only a breach of duty to Pernia but also to his entire crew. The prosecutor characterized the negligence as so severe that it warranted a charge of gross negligence manslaughter.
Defense and Motin's Statements
Motin has pleaded not guilty to the charge, claiming that he did not act with intent to cause harm. In a WhatsApp message to his wife after the crash, he expressed that there had been a disaster and that he would be found guilty. During police interviews, he stated that he did not deliberately cause the collision and described his actions as panicked when he attempted to switch to manual control of the ship.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of Motin's conduct argue that his training and experience should have enabled him to prevent the collision. The prosecution's case hinges on the assertion that the captain's inaction was not only negligent but grossly so, given the clear warning signs available to him.
What's Next
The trial is expected to conclude next month, with jurors tasked with determining the extent of Motin's responsibility for the collision and the resulting death of Mark Pernia. The case has drawn attention due to its implications for maritime safety and the accountability of ship captains in navigating hazardous situations.
