Russian Captain Convicted of Manslaughter in Fatal North Sea Collision

A Russian captain was found guilty of gross negligence manslaughter after his cargo ship collided with a US oil tanker in the North Sea, resulting in one death. The accident triggered a massive fire, highlighting the captain's significant oversights. Rescuers managed to save 36 people.

In a case characterized by gross negligence, a Russian cargo ship captain was convicted of manslaughter on Monday for his role in a deadly collision with a US oil tanker in the North Sea last year. The crash, which involved the Solong and the Stena Immaculate, left one crew member dead and ignited a fire that raged for eight days.

Captain Vladimir Motin, who was on sole watch duty, failed to take adequate measures to prevent the collision or respond effectively once it occurred. Prosecutors accused him of not seeking help or acting to avert the tragedy. The court heard that Filipino crew member Mark Angelo Pernia died instantly in the crash, and his body was not recovered.

The incident began when Motin's vessel, laden with flammable cargo, hit the anchored Stena Immaculate near northeast England. Despite the severity of the situation, Motin waited a full minute before reacting. The court heard dramatic audio of the US tanker crew's realization as flames engulfed both ships. Sentencing is scheduled for Thursday.

(With inputs from agencies.)