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Murder

Russian Master Charged with Manslaughter in North Sea Collision

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The master of the Solong, Vladimir Motin, 59, is accused of the unlawful killing of a crew member, Mark Angelo Pernia, during a collision with the American tanker Stena Immaculate off the East Yorkshire coast. Motin, appearing by videolink from HMP Hull, pleaded not guilty to a single charge of manslaughter. The collision occurred on March 10, and all 23 crew members on the Stena Immaculate were rescued along with 13 crew from the Solong, but Pernia's body was not located. The 140m-long Solong was carrying 157 containers, while the 183m-long Stena Immaculate was carrying jet fuel.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Solong's master, Vladimir Motin, 59, has been charged with the unlawful killing of crew member Mark Angelo Pernia, 38.
  • The collision between the Solong and the Stena Immaculate occurred on March 10, resulting in the rescue of 36 crew members but the loss of Pernia's life.
  • The Solong was traveling at approximately 15 knots at the time of the collision, which happened at 10.2 nautical miles from the nearest point on the coast.
  • The 140m-long Solong was carrying 157 containers, while the 183m-long Stena Immaculate was carrying jet fuel and anchored at the point of the collision about 15 hours before the impact.
  • Motin appeared in court by videolink from HMP Hull and pleaded not guilty to a single charge of manslaughter.
  • Judge Mark Lucraft KC set a further hearing on September 10 ahead of the defendant's trial on January 12, 2026.
  • The court was told that an explosion occurred in the forward deck of the Solong, where Pernia was working.

Statistics:

  • March 10: the date of the collision between the Solong and the Stena Immaculate.
  • 36: the total number of crew members rescued, including 23 from the Stena Immaculate and 13 from the Solong.
  • 15: the speed of the Solong at the time of the collision in knots.
  • 15 hours: the time between the Stena Immaculate's anchoring and the collision.
  • 10.2 nautical miles: the distance between the Solong and the nearest point on the coast at the time of the collision.
  • 140m: the length of the Solong.
  • 157: the number of containers being carried by the Solong.
  • 183m: the length of the Stena Immaculate.
  • 2026: the year of Motin's trial.

Sources:

  • PA The Solong's master, Vladimir Motin, is accused of the unlawful killing of crew member Mark Angelo Pernia.

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