A Tragic Maritime Collision in the North Sea

The Incident Unfolds

On March 10, 2025, a devastating collision occurred in the North Sea, approximately 13 miles off the coast of East Yorkshire. The Russian-registered cargo ship Solong collided with the US-registered oil tanker Stena Immaculate, which was carrying jet fuel for the US Navy. The Stena Immaculate, operated by American firm Crowley, was stationary and anchored while awaiting a berth at the Port of Killingholme on the River Humber. The Solong, en route from Grangemouth, Scotland, to Rotterdam, Netherlands, struck the tanker, resulting in massive fires and explosions. The smoke from the incident was so severe that it was visible from space. Thankfully, no jets of sodium cyanide were released, though initial fears arose as the Solong had previously carried the chemical in four of its containers.

Casualties and Crew Evacuation

The collision claimed the life of 38-year-old Filipino national Mark Angelo Pernia, a crew member of the Solong, who is now presumed dead. Five Russian nationals were on board the Solong, as reported by the Russian embassy in London. In the aftermath of the collision, both vessels caught fire, prompting a rapid evacuation. The UK Coastguard rescued 36 crew members after the alarm was raised at 9:48 AM on Monday. While the Stena Immaculate accounted for all 23 of its crew members, the Solong reported 13 out of 14 crew members safe. The crew of the Stena Immaculate—all American nationals—were reported to be in good health and are currently staying in Grimsby, where they are receiving support.

Legal Charges and Accountability

The captain of the Solong, 59-year-old Vladimir Motin from St. Petersburg, Russia, has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter in connection with the collision. Motin was remanded into police custody and is scheduled to appear at Hull Magistrates’ Court. Frank Ferguson of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirmed the charges, stating that the collision occurred just before 10 AM on Monday, March 10, 2025. The CPS has authorized Humberside Police to proceed with the charges against Motin, who faces a single count of gross negligence manslaughter.

Ongoing Salvage and Damage Assessment

Salvage companies began boarding both vessels on Thursday, March 13, to conduct initial damage assessments. The Solong continued to experience small fires on its top deck, according to the coastguard. The investigation into the collision is ongoing, with extensive lines of inquiry being pursued. However, progress has been slow due to the complexity of the incident, the location of the vessels still at sea, and the large number of witnesses involved. Humberside Police are leading the investigation, with support from maritime authorities and other agencies.

International Response and Fallout

The incident has drawn international attention, given the involvement of vessels registered in Russia, the United States, and Portugal. The Russian state agency TASS reported that the Russian embassy in London was closely monitoring the situation, particularly concerning the five Russian nationals on board the Solong. Meanwhile, the owner of the Stena Immaculate, Stena Bulk, assured that all crew members were safe and receiving care. The German owner of the Solong, Ernst Russ, clarified that while the vessel had previously carried sodium cyanide, it was not transporting the chemical at the time of the collision, easing initial concerns about potential environmental or health hazards.

A Developing Story

As the situation continues to unfold, authorities are urging the public to stay updated through official channels. The CPS and Humberside Police have emphasized that this is a breaking news story, with further details expected to emerge in the coming days. For now, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of all crew members, securing the vessels, and determining the cause of the collision. The charges against Captain Vladimir Motin mark the beginning of what is likely to be a lengthy legal and investigative process. Stay tuned for further updates as more information becomes available.