Russian Cargo Ship Captain Detained Following Deadly North Sea Collision

The captain of the MV Solong faces charges of gross negligence manslaughter after a crash with a U.S.-affiliated tanker caused explosions and a presumed crew member death.

The collision occurred on March 10, 2025, when the MV Solong struck the anchored tanker Stena Immaculate off the Yorkshire coast, causing massive fires and explosions.
The Stena Immaculate, carrying jet fuel for the U.S. military, sustained damage, including a broken fuel tank, but no pollution has been detected in the surrounding waters so far.
All 23 crew members of the Stena Immaculate and 13 of the 14 crew members aboard the Solong were safely evacuated; one Solong crew member, a 38-year-old Filipino, is presumed dead.
Captain Vladimir Motine, 59, was arrested and charged with gross negligence manslaughter and has been placed in provisional detention; his next court hearing is scheduled for April 14 in London.
Investigators continue to examine the circumstances of the collision, with no evidence of intentional wrongdoing reported by the British government.