Cargo ship crash captain to stand trial next year

Vladimir Motin, a 59-year-old cargo ship captain, is set to stand trial next year following a tragic accident that occurred in the North Sea. He has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter after a collision between his ship, the Solong, which flies the Portuguese flag, and a US-registered tanker named Stena Immaculate. This unfortunate incident took place on March 10, resulting in both vessels catching fire. Fortunately, rescuers were able to save 36 crew members from both ships, but one sailor, Mark Angelo Pernia, a 38-year-old from the Philippines, is missing and is presumed dead. The Solong cargo ship suffered significant damage during the crash, with flames and smoke billowing from its decks. Aerial images showed the ship surrounded by tug boats, working to control the situation. Vladimir Motin appeared at the Central Criminal Court, known as the Old Bailey, via a video link from prison. During the hearing, he communicated through an interpreter to confirm his identity and date of birth. After the court session, he was remanded in custody and is scheduled to return on April 14. A provisional date for his trial has been set for January 12, 2026. The incident has drawn attention from various officials, including Transport Minister Mike Kane, who was seen engaging with HM Coastguard search-and-rescue workers. The damage to the cargo ship was severe, with its nose crumpled and parts still smoking as fire crews worked diligently to extinguish the flames on both vessels.