Russian Ship Captain Pleads Not Guilty to Manslaughter in UK Case Involving US Tanker

 

Russian Ship Captain Pleads Not Guilty to Manslaughter in UK Case Involving US Tanker

Vladimir Motin, the 59-year-old captain of the Russian-flagged container ship Solong, appeared in a London court and pleaded not guilty to manslaughter by gross negligence over a fatal collision off Britain's east coast. The incident occurred on March 10 when the Solong struck the U.S.-owned tanker Stena Immaculate, which carried military jet fuel. The collision resulted in the disappearance of Filipino crew member Mark Pernia, 38, who is presumed dead.

Motin faced the court via videolink and was charged with causing Pernia’s death through gross negligence. The case continues as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.

This incident adds to ongoing maritime safety concerns amid complex international shipping and geopolitical tensions involving multiple nations, including the United States under President Donald Trump.

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