On March 15, 2025, the captain of the Solong cargo vessel, a 59-year-old Russian citizen Vladimir Motin, will stand up to a court in the United Kingdom after he was charged with murder due to gross negligence. The accusation is related to the tragic incident that occurred on March 10, 2025 in the North Sea near the East Yorkshir coast.
The incident occurred when the Solong container under the Portuguese flag, which was driven by Motin, collided with the Stena Immaculate tank, which stood in anchors. As a result of the collision, part of the aviation fuel transported by the tanker spilled into the sea, causing explosions on the ship. Both vessels broke out, and one of the Solong crew members disappeared. The rescue operation conducted by the Britain's coast guard did not produce the result, and the missing sailor is considered dead.
According to the Official Statement by Gamberside, an investigation conducted with the support of the UK and Coast Guard (MCA), led to charges. Captain Motin was detained, and on March 14, the court extended his detention for 36 hours. In court, Motin should appear in the city of Gall.
The consequences of the collision for the crew of the container were tragic - although all other crew members, including the Russians, were not injured, the fate of one sailor remains unknown.
