Full Breakdown
Russian Captain Found Guilty of Manslaughter in Fatal Tanker Collision
2/2/2026, 8:51:56 PM
Collision Details and Verdict
Vladimir Motin, a 59-year-old Russian captain of the Portuguese-flagged cargo ship Solong, was found guilty of gross negligence manslaughter by a jury at London's Old Bailey. The verdict was delivered on February 2, 2026, following a collision on March 10, 2025, when the Solong struck the anchored Stena Immaculate oil tanker near the Humber Estuary. The crash resulted in the death of Mark Angelo Pernia, a 38-year-old Filipino crew member, whose body has never been recovered.
During the trial, prosecutors argued that Motin failed to take necessary precautions, such as slowing down or alerting his crew, despite the Solong being visible on radar for over 36 minutes prior to the impact. The Stena Immaculate was carrying more than 220,000 barrels of JetA1 aviation fuel, raising the stakes of the incident significantly. The collision ignited a fire that burned for eight days, prompting a large-scale rescue operation.
Background and Context
Motin was on sole watch duty at the time of the incident. Prosecutor Tom Little described the case as centered around "the entirely avoidable death of a seaman," emphasizing that Pernia was a father of a five-year-old and had a second child born shortly after his death. Motin's defense acknowledged his fault but characterized his actions as a "human error" rather than gross negligence.
The Solong was reportedly carrying alcoholic spirits and hazardous materials, including empty sodium cyanide containers. The prosecution highlighted that Motin had disabled the ship's alarm system, leaving him without critical alerts as he navigated the vessel.
Official Statements & Responses
Following the verdict, DCS Craig Nicholson of Humberside police referred to the incident as a "simple, senseless tragedy," noting the fortunate absence of additional fatalities. The Crown Prosecution Service underscored the gravity of a captain's duty at sea, stating, "If that duty of care is breached, the consequences can be catastrophic."
Ernst Russ, the owner of the Solong, expressed sympathy for Pernia's family and indicated ongoing support during this difficult time. The company is also facing civil litigation related to the incident, with a hearing scheduled for next month.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of Motin's actions pointed to the clear negligence displayed during the incident. Prosecutors argued that he did "absolutely nothing" to prevent the collision, and evidence presented during the trial included audio recordings from the ship's bridge that revealed a lack of communication in the moments leading up to the crash.
Motin's defense attempted to portray the incident as a tragic mistake rather than a result of gross negligence, but the jury ultimately found him culpable, reflecting a broader concern about maritime safety and accountability.
What's Next
Motin is scheduled to be sentenced on February 5, 2026. The outcome of the civil litigation against Ernst Russ will also be closely monitored, as it may have implications for maritime regulations and liability standards in the shipping industry.
