Russian Captain Charged in Deadly North Sea Collision

 

The captain of the Russian-owned container ship, Solong, has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter following a tragic collision with a US oil tanker in the North Sea on Monday. The incident resulted in the death of a Filipino crew member and left another crew member missing.

The Collision: A Fatal Crash in the North Sea

The dramatic crash occurred in the Humber Estuary, off the East Yorkshire coast of England. The Solong collided with the US oil tanker MV Stena Immaculate, resulting in the death of Filipino crew member, Mark Angelo Pernia, who was thrown overboard during the collision. Despite an extensive search effort, Pernia, aged 38, is now presumed dead.

Humberside Police have confirmed that Vladimir Motin, 59, the Russian captain of the Solong, has been charged in relation to the incident. Motin, from St. Petersburg, is accused of gross negligence manslaughter. He is set to appear in Hull Magistrates Court on Saturday.

Casualties and Search Efforts

In total, 36 people from both ships managed to make it safely ashore after the collision. However, the tragic loss of Mark Angelo Pernia has cast a shadow over the incident. Extensive searches by HM Coastguard were conducted in an effort to locate the missing crew member, but it was later confirmed that he is presumed dead.

A Humberside Police spokesperson expressed their support for the families affected, stating that specialist officers are assisting the grieving relatives during this difficult time.

The Aftermath: Stability of the Vessels

Following the collision, both vessels were assessed for stability. The Stena Immaculate, which was struck by the Solong, remains anchored at the collision site, approximately 12 miles off the East Yorkshire coast. Meanwhile, the Solong drifted southwards, with tugboats assisting to ensure its safety and prevent further hazards.

As of Friday, Chief Coastguard Paddy O'Callaghan reported that both ships are stable, with only small pockets of fire remaining on the Solong. Salvage teams and firefighting tugs are on-site to ensure that the situation remains under control. There is no ongoing risk of pollution from either vessel.

The Investigation and What Led to the Collision

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) is leading the probe into the incident. Preliminary reports indicate that the Solong altered its course around 1:30 AM on Monday, just before the crash. The vessel changed its heading to approximately 150 degrees southeast, which ultimately led to the tragic collision with the Stena Immaculate eight hours later.

Focus on the Filipino Crew Member's Death

The collision has brought attention to the impact on the Filipino crew member who tragically lost his life in the accident. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities will likely focus on the cause of the course alteration and whether it played a role in the deadly crash.

This incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of maritime navigation, underscoring the need for strict safety protocols and careful navigation to avoid such catastrophic collisions.