Russian Captain Charged with Manslaughter After North Sea Oil Tanker Collision

Vladimir Motin, the 59-year-old Russian captain of the container ship Solong, has been remanded in custody after being charged with gross negligence manslaughter following a collision with the US oil tanker Stena Immaculate in the North Sea. During a court hearing at Hull Magistrates’ Court, it was revealed that the accident resulted in the presumed death of 38-year-old Filipino crew member Mark Angelo Pernia, with extensive searches failing to locate him. All other crew members from both vessels were rescued, but Motin did not enter a plea and will appear again at the Old Bailey on April 14. The incident has prompted an investigation by Humberside Police, supported by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. The Stena Immaculate, reportedly carrying military supplies, suffered a fire as a result of the collision. The case has drawn significant attention given the tragic loss of life and the implications for maritime safety.