Russian Cargo Ship Captain Charged After Fatal North Sea Collision

Vladimir Motin faces gross negligence manslaughter charges following a crash that killed one crew member and caused fires on both vessels.

The collision occurred on Monday when the Solong container ship, captained by Vladimir Motin, struck the anchored Stena Immaculate tanker carrying jet fuel for the U.S. military.
Filipino crew member Mark Angelo Pernia, 38, is presumed dead after extensive searches by the UK Coastguard failed to locate him.
The Solong was traveling at 16 knots and failed to adjust its course or speed for over 40 minutes before the crash, according to prosecutors.
Salvage teams and firefighting vessels have stabilized both ships, and environmental disaster concerns have eased as most jet fuel burned off during the explosion.
Motin, 59, was remanded in custody after his court appearance and will face further proceedings at the Old Bailey on April 14.