S. tanker off Britain's east coast last year was jailed for six years on Thursday for causing the death of a crew member through gross negligence. Russian national Vladimir Motin, 59, was at the helm of the Portuguese-flagged Solong when it collided with the Stena Immaculate tanker, which was anchored and carrying just over 220,000 barrels of high-grade aviation fuel, on March 10, 2025.
The collision started a blaze on both ships and resulted in the death of Philippines national and Solong crew member Mark Pernia, 38, whose body has never been found. Motin's actions were deemed critical to the incident, as he had turned off the Solong's alarm systems and attempted to take control of the ship by switching it from autopilot mode. However, these efforts were unsuccessful, and the collision occurred nonetheless.
The prosecution argued that while Motin was at fault, his negligence was gross, leading to Pernia's tragic death. The judge agreed, stating that Pernia died 'under your command ... ' The victim's wife, who lives in the Philippines and was seven months pregnant with their second child at the time of her husband's death, expressed her enduring longing for him.
Motin's lawyer had argued that while his client was indeed at fault, he was not grossly negligent, but the court rejected this claim. In the end, Motin was convicted and sentenced to six years in prison. The incident highlights the importance of strict safety protocols and adherence to regulations in preventing such tragic accidents.
This case underscores the critical role that human error plays in maritime accidents. The fact that Motin's actions were deemed grossly negligent highlights the need for vigilance and attention to detail in high-risk professions like shipping. It is essential that crew members prioritize safety above all else, as one moment of complacency can have devastating consequences.
