Russian Captain Denies Sleeping Before Fatal Humber Ship Collision
A Russian ship captain has firmly denied allegations that he fell asleep at the helm before a catastrophic maritime collision off the coast of East Yorkshire. Vladimir Motin, aged 59, was on sole watch duty when the incident occurred in the Humber Estuary, resulting in a fatal outcome and significant environmental concerns.
Details of the Tragic Incident
The collision involved the oil tanker Solong, under Motin's command, and the anchored vessel Stena Immaculate. This tragic event in March led to the death of 38-year-old crew member Mark Angelo Pernia, a Filipino national whose body was never recovered. The Stena Immaculate, a US-registered tanker, was transporting 220,000 barrels of JetA1 high-grade aviation fuel from Greece to the UK at the time of the crash.
Captain's Testimony at the Old Bailey
During proceedings at the Old Bailey in London, Motin refuted claims of falling asleep or losing consciousness. Defence barrister James Leonard KC directly questioned the captain about his alertness, to which Motin responded, "I never left the bridge at the material time from 8am." He emphasised that he did not visit the toilet or experience any lapse in awareness during the critical period.
Technical Failures and Course Alterations
The court heard how Motin became aware of the Stena Immaculate when it was approximately 10 to 12 nautical miles away. He took the Solong off autopilot at about one nautical mile from the other vessel, attempting a 15-degree course change. Motin explained his actions, stating, "Literally, I done it more than 1,000 times. In reality, you don't look to the button when you press it."
However, his efforts to avert disaster were unsuccessful. Motin cited a prior rubber malfunction on another company ship, the Sanskip Express, as a concern. He attempted to stop and restart the steering gear as advised but reported that "nothing helped." When asked by Justice Baker about considering slowing down, Motin replied that he focused on solving the steering problem rather than reversing engines.
Consequences of the Collision
The impact caused the Stena Immaculate's aviation fuel to leak, igniting a fire that spread to both ships. The Solong, measuring 130 metres in length, had departed Grangemouth in Scotland bound for Rotterdam, carrying alcoholic spirits and hazardous substances, including empty sodium cyanide containers. Its 14 crew members were aboard during the ill-fated voyage.
Legal Charges and Ongoing Trial
Vladimir Motin, hailing from St Petersburg, faces a charge of gross negligence manslaughter, which he denies. The trial continues as authorities investigate the full circumstances surrounding this devastating maritime accident in UK waters.
