North Sea cargo ship crash captain to stand trial next year

On March 22, 2025, 3:19 AM

A cargo ship captain arrested after a crew member died in a crash between two vessels in the North Sea is due to stand trial next year.

Vladimir Motin, 59, has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter.

The Portuguese-flagged Solong cargo ship and the US-registered tanker Stena Immaculate crashed off the East Yorkshire coast on 10 March, with both vessels bursting into flames.

Rescuers saved 36 crew off both ships, with one sailor from the Solong – Filipino national Mark Angelo Pernia, 38 – missing presumed dead.

PA Media Aerial view of the cargo ship Solong with smoke pouring from its decks and fire damage to its hull. It is surrounded by four tug boats. — The Solong cargo ship was involved in a crash with a tanker off the East Yorkshire coast

Mr Motin, from Primorsky, St Petersburg in Russia, appeared at the Central Criminal Court, known as the Old Bailey, in London via a video link from prison.

He spoke through an interpreter to confirm his name and date of birth.

He was remanded in custody and will appear before the court again on 14 April.

A provisional date for a trial at the Old Bailey has been set for 12 January 2026.

Story By BBC