Summary
The captain of a cargo ship that collided with an oil tanker in the North Sea has pleaded not guilty to gross negligence manslaughter. The crash happened on March 10, resulting in the disappearance of a crew member, who is presumed dead. The trial is scheduled for January 12, 2026.
Key Facts
- The captain's name is Vladimir Motin, and he is from Primorsky, St Petersburg, Russia.
- The incident involved the cargo ship Solong, which flies a Portuguese flag and a US tanker named Stena Immaculate.
- The collision occurred about 13 miles off the East Yorkshire coast.
- A Filipino crew member on the Solong, Mark Angelo Pernia, is missing and presumed dead.
- Mr. Motin was assisted by a Russian interpreter when confirming his identity and entering his plea.
- The interim report on the crash by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch states that rescuers saved 36 crew members from both ships.
- A case management hearing is set for September 10, ahead of the trial date on January 12, 2026.
