What Crew Members Say About Stena-Immaculate

In a significant ruling on March 10, 2025, the British Admiralty Court determined that there was insufficient evidence to support the claim that the container ship 'Solong' intentionally collided with the tanker 'Stena Immaculata' while it was anchored near Hull. The incident occurred during 'Solong's' voyage to Rotterdam while operating under the Samskip banner. The Swedish owner of the tanker, Stena AB, alongside American charterer Crowley, sought to lift the upper limit of liability in accordance with Article 4 of the 1976 IMO Convention, which can be invoked if intent can be proven. If intent cannot be established, liability is capped at $21 million. Stena and Crowley had also aimed to recover costs related to salvage operations, cargo losses, vessel damages, lost freight, and crew claims; however, the exact amounts were not disclosed as the court's key focus was on the limitation of liability issue. The presiding judge rebuffed the plaintiffs’ suggestion of intent, labeling their claims as 'speculative' and 'fantasy'. They had argued that the management of the shipping company was aware of the captain's deficiencies and, as such, bore some responsibility. The court, however, sided with MS Solong Schifffahrtsgesellschaft, part of Ernst Russ AG in Hamburg, ruling that the Solong's management could not be deemed liable. Previous court findings had established that the captain displayed gross negligence; operating alone on the bridge under limited visibility and failing to summon an additional lookout. Tragically, the incident also led to the loss of Filipino sailor Mark Angelo Pernia, who was lost to a fire ignited post-collision, with his body never recovered. The Russian captain, Vladimir Motin, aged 59, was sentenced to six years in prison in February for the crime of causing death through gross negligence.

In a recent landmark ruling by the Admiralty Court in London, Judge Andrew Baker has affirmed that the owners of the vessel 'Solong' can limit their financial liability regarding its collision with the 'Stena Immaculate', which is now operating under the name 'Enersea 1'. This decision was handed down on May 22, amidst the backdrop of a tragic accident that claimed the life of Filipino able seaman Mark Angelo Pernia, ignited a significant fire, and caused severe damage to both ships involved. The crux of the legal battle revolved around allegations that the 'Solong' operated recklessly, warranting the nullification of the owners' right to limit their liability as per Article 4 of the 1976 Convention on Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims (LLMC). The representatives for the 'Stena Immaculate' contended that the perilous operational practices of the 'Solong' were likely known to shore-side management and asserted that the incident was essentially a disaster waiting to happen. They aimed to invoke Article 4, which allows for the removal of liability caps when losses arise from a shipowner's intentional or reckless actions, knowing that such losses were likely to occur. However, Justice Baker firmly rejected this argument, finding no substantial evidence to imply that the senior management of 'Solong' was aware of any risks that could predict such an accident. He referred to the opposing position as mere “speculative imagination” lacking factual support. Additionally, the ruling held far-reaching implications within the maritime legal framework. The court dismissed a narrow interpretation of Article 4 proposed by the 'Solong'’s owners, which suggested that “such loss” should refer strictly to the precise incident of collision with 'Stena Immaculate'. Instead, Baker ruled that “such loss” refers to the broader category of loss incurred, rather than a specific vessel involved in the accident. Even with this wider interpretation, the interests associated with 'Stena Immaculate' were unable to present a compelling argument to overturn the limitation rights. The LLMC framework is designed to make it exceedingly challenging to refute these rights, with Baker citing guidance from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted in 2021, emphasizing that the liability protections within the convention are fundamentally intended to be “virtually unbreakable in nature.” The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) is still probing the circumstances surrounding the allision as legal proceedings continue.

In a commendable recognition of maritime valor, the dedicated crew of the tanker 'Stena Immaculate', currently known as 'Enersea 1', received the prestigious Gallant Ship Award from the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) during the National Maritime Day celebrations held in Washington, D.C. on May 22, 2025. This award, which has been presented since 1944, acknowledges outstanding acts of bravery and seamanship in emergency situations at sea. The last award was bestowed in 2019. The crew, comprised of 23 members, was acknowledged for their remarkable professionalism and quick responses during a catastrophic incident that took place on March 10, 2025. While operating under charter to the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command and enrolled in MARAD’s Tanker Security Program, the 'Stena Immaculate' was struck by the container ship 'Solong' amid adverse visibility conditions near Hull, England. The allision occurred as the 'Solong' collided with the anchored tanker at approximately 16 knots, leading to a severe breach of one of its cargo tanks, which was carrying over 220,000 barrels of jet fuel. Tragically, the incident resulted in the death of Filipino seafarer Mark Angelo Pernia. However, the crew's swift action ensured the safe evacuation of all personnel aboard without significant injuries. They promptly activated the vessel's fire monitors prior to abandoning ship, effectively containing the fire to a single cargo hold and limiting potential environmental consequences. James C. Fowler, executive vice president of Crowley Shipping & Logistics, emphasized the importance of this recognition, stating, "This honor for the crew of the Stena Immaculate underscores the essential role that U.S. mariners play in safely sustaining supply chains and supporting national defense at home and abroad." Following the accident, criminal proceedings were initiated against the master of the 'Solong', Vladimir Motin, who is a 59-year-old Russian national from St. Petersburg. After a three-week trial, he was found guilty of gross negligence manslaughter and sentenced to six years in prison in February 2026. Prosecutors highlighted that the 'Stena Immaculate' had been visible on radar for 36 minutes before the collision, yet Motin failed to maneuver adequately to avert the disaster. Post-incident, the 'Stena Immaculate' was docked in Great Yarmouth from April 11, 2025, until October 20, 2025, where it underwent repairs in Tuzla from October 21, 2025, to March 26, 2026. The vessel then resumed operations as 'Enersea 1'. Unfortunately, the 'Solong' was deemed irreparable and subsequently dismantled at Galloo in Ghent starting August 13, 2025. For photos and detailed reports, visit: https://gcaptain.com/stena-immaculate-crew-honored-with-gallant-ship-award-following-deadly-tanker-collision/

On February 5, the Bailey's Court delivered a severe sentence to Vladimir Motin, a Russian captain, who received a six-year prison term following his conviction for gross negligence manslaughter. The court findings indicated that Motin disabled crucial alarm systems, neglected to keep a proper lookout, and disregarded clear radar indications of the tanker ahead. The incident occurred on March 10, 2025, when the container vessel, the 'Soling,' collided with the anchored tanker 'Stena Immaculate.' Tragically, one crew member, Mark Angelo Pernia, working at the bow of the container ship, was unaccounted for and is presumed dead due to the subsequent explosion and fire that engulfed the vessels. While 13 crew members from the 'Soling' and 23 from the 'Stena Immaculate' were rescued, the 'Soling' was declared a total loss. The Stena sold the damaged tanker, which is set to be repaired by its new owner. Justice Andrew Barker, during sentencing, stated that the collision was entirely preventable and labeled the captain as 'an accident waiting to happen.' Evidence presented during the trial demonstrated that the 'Soling' was operating normally and that the 'Stena Immaculate' was clearly visible on radar for over half an hour before the crash. Despite this, Motin delayed turning the container ship until the vessels were only one nautical mile apart, failing to initiate a slowdown, perform a crash stop, or sound alarms prior to impact. Justice Barker emphasized the captain's complacency, noting, 'You were a serious accident waiting to happen.' It was revealed that Motin had disabled a system that required bridge personnel to confirm their alertness every 30 minutes by pressing a button. Although he claimed he did not fall asleep or leave the bridge, the UK’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) contended that visibility was inadequate, contradicting Motin's assertions that a lookout was unnecessary in good conditions. Investigators suggested that Motin failed his responsibilities as captain to safeguard the ships and their crews, remarking that he showed no remorse throughout the incident and modified his version of events multiple times. The judge described him as 'somewhat combative' and 'argumentative,' attempting to evade accountability in a straightforward case. While the defense conceded that Motin had made errors, they argued that such mistakes did not meet the threshold for gross negligence and claimed he was confused by the ship's response to his steering adjustments. Motin admitted pressing the wrong button and failing to disengage the autopilot, but prosecutors argued that, given his extensive experience commanding the vessel for years, these mistakes should have been evident. Moreover, Motin acknowledged that his maritime career was effectively over, professing no desire to return to sea. This case has drawn significant attention within the global shipping community, where incarceration of ship captains involved in fatal incidents is a rare occurrence.

Vladimir Motin, the 59-year-old captain of the cargo vessel 'Solong', was convicted on February 2 at the Old Bailey in London for the gross negligence manslaughter of crew member Mark Angelo Pernia. At the time of the incident, Pernia’s wife, residing in the Philippines, was seven months pregnant, and they have since welcomed their child into the world. Prosecutor Tom Little emphasized to the jury that Motin failed to act despite being on a collision course with the Stena Immaculate for over half an hour before the catastrophic allision. In Motin's defense, attorney James Leonard argued that while the captain was indeed at fault, his actions did not amount to gross negligence, claiming Motin had attempted to disengage the autopilot system and alter the ship's trajectory. Despite his not guilty plea, Motin was convicted. He is scheduled for sentencing on February 5. Speculation arose regarding Motin's Russian nationality, with some suggesting potential intentional sabotage; however, maritime security experts noted a lack of evidence pointing to any malicious intent. It was revealed during the trial that the 'Solong' had its alarm system deactivated, which meant no warnings were issued to the crews of either the 'Stena Immaculate' or 'Solong' prior to the collision. Furthermore, the incident has prompted civil litigation, as the 'Solong's' owner, a subsidiary of Ernst Russ, faces a lawsuit at London's High Court. The company is seeking to dismiss the case, with a hearing scheduled for March 2026. Ernst Russ expressed its condolences in a statement, reiterating their commitment to support Pernia's family during this challenging time, acknowledging their resilience throughout the ordeal.

In a significant development regarding the maritime incident involving the 'Solong' and the 'Stena Immaculate', prosecutor Julia Faure Walker has firmly ruled out the possibility of mechanical failure. The incident, which occurred on March 10, 2025, prompted the defense from the vessel's operator, Motin, who claimed that he had made an unfortunate mistake by inadvertently pressing the wrong button while attempting to disengage the autopilot. Motin described his actions in steering the 'Solong' away from the 'Stena Immaculate', which was approximately one nautical mile away, as mismanaged due to a sudden misunderstanding which he attributed to the rudder issues experienced by a sister ship, the 'Sanskip Express'. During the trial on January 29, prosecutor Faure Walker dismissed these claims, suggesting that Motin fabricated his account in an attempt to return to his wife in Russia. She questioned the credibility of an experienced mariner allegedly unable to perform the simple task of switching from autopilot to manual steering. Faure Walker asserted that had Motin pressed the correct button in time, the tragic death of a crew member, Mark Pernia, could have been avoided. She emphasized that it was unfathomable that he would not realize he had pressed the wrong button and failed to take corrective action, stating, "The reality is that he did nothing to avoid collision." The prosecutor affirmed that there were no mechanical or electronic defects aboard the 'Solong' at the time, as the rudder was fully operational. Instead, she characterized it as a failure on the part of the individual at the helm, pointing out Motin's decision to disable the bridge navigation watch alert system (BNWAS), thus compromising the crew’s safety. Faure Walker highlighted the serious risks posed by the collision and noted that the circumstances under which Mr. Pernia was positioned—working on the bow greasing—made the accident 'foreseeable'. The prosecution argued that Motin exhibited 'multiple failures', including a failure to sound alarms or call for assistance when it was urgently needed, leading to what they described as gross negligence. While Motin, who hails from Primorsky, St Petersburg, continues to deny charges of gross negligence manslaughter, the proceedings at the historic Old Bailey court are still ongoing, with serious implications for maritime safety practices.

Vladimir Motin, the former captain of the 'Solong,' took the stand at the Old Bailey in London, shedding light on the potential steering problems faced by a sister vessel. The captain, hailing from Primorsky, St Petersburg, Russia, claimed he was informed by a colleague at the shipping company that a similar ship had encountered a "sudden rudder blockage." Motin stated he had been reassured not to panic if the same issue arose on the 'Solong,' as it could be resolved by restarting the ship's steering gear and adjusting the pump. He clarified, however, that he had never faced such a problem on the 'Solong', emphasizing, "It never happened here." With an extensive maritime career beginning in 1985, Motin became captain of the 'Solong' in 2009, working a rotated schedule of six months on and off. He had completed multiple voyages from Grangemouth in Scotland to Rotterdam prior to the incident under review. On the day of the accident, he reported visibility of approximately three nautical miles and noted that the incident occurred during daylight hours. Given these conditions, he believed there was no necessity for an additional person on the bridge, having previously managed solo watches under similar circumstances. During the trial, it was disclosed that as the 'Solong' approached the 'Stena Immaculate,' Motin attempted to manually control the ship’s steering one mile away, but the autopilot did not disengage. Motin stands firm in denying charges of gross negligence manslaughter, and the trial is set to continue.

On January 14, during a court trial, Vladimir Motin's defense barrister, James Leonard KC, acknowledged that there was no disagreement regarding the Solong captain's failure to avoid a collision with the Stena Immaculate. The central issue revolves around the degree of responsibility Motin bears in this incident. It has been established that Motin was the sole officer on the bridge of the Solong from 8 a.m. and had radar visibility of the Stena Immaculate, approximately nine nautical miles away, squarely in the Solong's path. The Solong was operating on autopilot, cruising at a speed of around 16 knots. As the vessel drew within three nautical miles, Motin confirmed he had visual contact with the Stena Immaculate. Leonard informed the jurors, "The defendant claims that when he was about one nautical mile away from the Stena Immaculate, he attempted to disengage the autopilot to manually steer the Solong to starboard, aiming to pass behind the Stena Immaculate's stern. It is uncontested that had he successfully altered the course, a collision could have been avoided. However, this attempt failed, and the Solong maintained its course." Leonard urged the jurors to weigh the reasonableness of Motin’s decision to wait until the vessel was one nautical mile from the Stena Immaculate before attempting any evasive action and to consider his thought process leading up to that decision. Additionally, the jurors were prompted to deliberate over what actions, if any, Motin should have taken after initially detecting the Stena Immaculate when the Solong was still nine nautical miles away yet prior to visually spotting it three nautical miles out. Detective Constance Richard Bayley was brought in to share prosecution evidence, including audio recordings from the Solong before and after the crash occurred. Jurors were also shown harrowing video footage capturing the moment the Solong collided with the Stena Immaculate, resulting in a dramatic eruption of flames and smoke. In the aftermath of the impact, a minute passed before Motin could be heard on audio calling out, "Stena Immaculate, Stena Immaculate." A recording from the Stena Immaculate revealed a loud crash followed by American crew members exclaiming, "Holy shit... what just hit us... a container ship... this is no drill, this is no drill, fire fire fire, we have had a collision," amidst the cacophony of alarm bells ringing and the vessel’s horn blaring. Another piece of video from the Solong captured a male voice pleading, "Lord help us. Lord help us. Lord help us." Following the incident, Motin exited the bridge using an outside ladder and abandoned ship, while the remaining crew evacuated via a lifeboat before being rescued and taken ashore. Earlier that day, Mr. Justice Baker dismissed a juror, citing their lack of focus on the trial's evidence. Motin, originally from Primorsky, St Petersburg, has pleaded not guilty to manslaughter, and the trial at the Old Bailey is ongoing.

The legal proceedings against Vladimir Motin, the 59-year-old captain of the cargo vessel 'Solong', commenced on January 13 in London as prosecutors laid out their case regarding a tragic maritime incident. Authorities allege that Motin failed to take crucial actions to avert a collision that resulted in the death of a crew member. The 'Solong', which primarily transported alcohol alongside hazardous materials including unclean sodium cyanide containers, collided with the 'Stena Immaculate'—a tanker carrying over 220,000 barrels of high-grade aviation fuel awaiting berth for discharge. This collision triggered a fire that engulfed both vessels. Jurors were shown harrowing footage demonstrating the immediate aftermath of the collision, highlighting the flames and smoke rising ominously into the atmosphere. Mark Pernia, a 38-year-old Filipino crew member, was declared missing and has since been presumed dead. Prosecutors allege Motin's actions—or lack thereof—constituted gross negligence, asserting that Pernia's death was entirely preventable. As the trial unfolded at London’s Old Bailey, prosecutor Little stated, 'He (Pernia) would still be alive if it was not for the grossly negligent conduct of the man in the dock.' Evidence presented indicated that the 'Solong' had been on a collision trajectory with the tanker for over 30 minutes, traveling at approximately 18 knots. After the accident, Motin communicated with his wife via WhatsApp, revealing his turmoil—describing the incident as a disaster and admitting he would be 'guilty.' However, she encouraged him to assert that he hadn't seen the 'Stena Immaculate' due to potential issues with the ship’s equipment. The prosecutor emphasized that as captain of the 'Solong', Motin held a sacred duty of care towards Pernia, especially while alone on bridge watch prior to the accident. Alarmingly, the vessel's alarm system meant to ensure proper bridge watch was inactive during the critical moment, leaving both crews unaware of the impending danger. This trial is anticipated to conclude in February, potentially reshaping maritime safety regulations based on its findings.

On November 19, 2025, the crew of the 'Stena Immaculate' received the prestigious AOTOS Special Recognition Plaque from the United Seamen’s Service, honoring their remarkable bravery following a serious incident involving the container vessel 'Solong' (IMO: 9322554) on March 10. Despite facing the dire circumstances of a ruptured cargo tank and an intense fire that threatened both vessels, the crew displayed extraordinary professionalism and decisiveness. Their swift actions were crucial in containing the fire, protecting thousands of gallons of jet fuel, and ensuring the wellbeing of all 23 crew members onboard. At the time of the incident, the 'Stena Immaculate' was under the management of Crowley through a joint venture with Stena Bulk USA. “This esteemed ceremony, one of the most revered in the maritime sector, recognizes extraordinary achievements and honors American seafarers whose courageous deeds and dedication to safety have significantly influenced the industry and protected those at sea,” stated Crowley in tribute to the crew. In a separate commendation, the crew of the Crowley-operated container vessel 'El Coquí' (IMO: 9721968) was awarded the AOTOS Mariner’s Plaque for Heroism for their instrumental role in rescuing four U.S. boaters after their sailboat sank in the Atlantic Ocean, just north of the Dominican Republic. Responding promptly to a request from the U.S. Coast Guard, the 'El Coquí' deviated from its scheduled route between Jacksonville, Florida, and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Collaborating with the Coast Guard and the nearby fishing vessel 'Bonanza' (IMO: 7738773), the crew successfully retrieved and transported the stranded boaters to safety. James C. Fowler, senior vice president and general manager of Crowley Shipping, expressed pride in the commendable actions of both crews: “Receiving these honors is a testament to their bravery, professionalism, and commitment during critical moments. These mariners embody Crowley’s strong dedication to safety, reminding us of the importance of continuous investment in training, preparedness, and innovation to safeguard lives and uphold the highest standards in maritime operations.” The AOTOS Awards, a tradition established over 50 years ago by the United Seamen’s Service, continue to acknowledge and celebrate individuals and organizations that have contributed exemplary leadership, enhancing the maritime sector and ensuring the safety of American seafarers.

The 'Stena Immaculate' has officially docked in Tuzla, towed in on October 21, following its recent sale by Stenba Bulk. The new owner intends to carry out essential repairs at Desan Yardgem United Shipyards. Notably, prior to the sale, the tanker was reflagged from the United States to the Maltese flag. Concurrently, investigations by the relevant authorities regarding the circumstances of its collision with the 'Solong' are ongoing, and inquiries should be directed to them. A civil lawsuit between the involved parties is currently in process, with the former owners of the 'Stena Immaculate' and 'Solong' set to be tried in London’s High Court by no sooner than October 2026. This legal action stems from a suit filed by Stena Bulk Marine Services USA and Crowley-Stena Marine Solutions against MS Solong Schiffahrtsgesellschaft, a division of the Ernst Russ Group. The unfortunate incident resulted in the release of over 17,500 barrels of jet fuel and the presumed death of a 38-year-old Filipino seafarer from the 'Solong', who remains missing. Additionally, the master of the 'Solong' has entered a plea of not guilty to charges of gross negligence manslaughter and will face trial at the Old Bailey in January 2026.

On September 25, the 'Stena Immaculate', a tanker currently under tow, departed from Great Yarmouth, being escorted by the tugboat 'Sea Searaya' (IMO: 9662368). The convoy is making its way to Yalova, where the vessel is scheduled for repairs. Traveling at a steady speed of approximately five knots, the tanker is anticipated to reach its destination port by October 20. For more visuals, check the photo here: https://www.shipspotting.com/photos/3900493?navList=gallery&category=39&page=1&viewType=normal&sortBy=newest.

The 'Stena Immaculate,' a tanker that faced challenges at the port, is now set to be towed out of Great Yarmouth on September 26, a shift from its initial departure planned for September 24. According to port schedules, arrangements have been made for tugboats to escort the vessel beyond the confines of Great Yarmouth's outer harbour. The towing operation will take the tanker approximately 10 nautical miles north to a designated point near Winterton-on-Sea, demonstrating the port's commitment to ensuring safe navigation. Additional details, including images of the situation, can be found in the report available at the BBC.

In an important development for U.S. maritime security, Crowley Stena Marine Solutions, a collaboration between Crowley and Stena Bulk, has secured authorization from the United States to substitute the damaged tanker 'Stena Immaculate' with the newly designated 'CS Anthem' (IMO: 9785691). This transition is part of the U.S. Tanker Security Program, overseen by the Maritime Administration (MARAD), which is crucial for transporting fuel supplies for the U.S. Department of Defense. The MARAD has officially sanctioned the operation of 'CS Anthem', previously known as 'STI Bosphorus', enhancing the nation’s strategic sealift capabilities. This fortifies U.S. maritime security while ensuring a dependable tanker capacity crewed by American personnel, all aimed at supporting national defense needs. The 'CS Anthem', which was previously serving under India’s Scorpio, shares similar characteristics with its predecessor 'Stena Immaculate'. The tanker has made a strategic shift to the U.S. flag from the Marshall Islands and is now docked in Jacksonville, Florida, its new homeport. Under a bareboat charter, Crowley will manage the crewing and oversight of the vessel as part of the joint venture’s operations. Additionally, Crowley plays a vital role in the management of other tankers within the Tanker Security Program, including the 'Stena Imperative' and 'Stena Impeccable'. Meanwhile, the 'Stena Immaculate' remains berthed in Great Yarmouth for the time being.

On August 12, 2023, the container vessel m/v 'Solong' reached the end of its journey, following a tragic incident that involved a collision with the 'Stena Immaculate.' The ship was towed to the breakers in Ghent by the tugboat 'Multratug 36' (IMO: 9985289), assisted by 'Multratug 35' (IMO: 9964039) for navigation support. After successfully unloading its severely damaged cargo in Aberdeen, the 'Solong' was sold for dismantling and departed the port on August 9. The vessel's engine room remains intact, thanks to the crew's quick action to flood it with CO2 during the fire. Before cutting procedures can commence, all flammable items must be carefully extracted from the accommodation areas. Workers will then initiate the flame cutting process, starting with the removal of hatches, the bow, and ultimately dismantling the ship horizontally to a height of six meters above the keel. The entire operation is scheduled for completion by December 1, 2023, after which the scrap will be transported to Turkey aboard a seagoing ship. Select high-quality iron components may also be sent to ArcelorMittal for recycling purposes. For further details and images of this significant maritime event, visit these links: https://www.omroepzeeland.nl/nieuws/17698907/rampschip-door-sluizen-van-terneuzen-gesleept?fbclid=IwQ0xDSwMNAqhleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHq3S0trv3qkpQeJ51YFkLTTJiSBEd30j9dNC3ttvTN6HWQ7tTvt3lXy6aHu2_aem_5am71imXholWxjNj_PbgPw and https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2025/08/13/containerschip-solong-gent-haven-ontmantelen-sloop/

Captain Vladimir Motin, a 59-year-old Russian national, appeared at the Old Bailey in London on May 30, facing charges of 'involuntary manslaughter due to gross negligence.' This incident relates to the tragic collision of the vessel 'Solong' with the oil tanker 'Stena Immaculate,' which resulted in the untimely death of 38-year-old Filipino crew member, Angelo Pernia. During this court appearance at the Central Criminal Court of England and Wales, Motin asserted his not guilty plea, which will influence whether a trial will progress. Remanded in custody until further proceedings, Motin utilized a Russian interpreter to confirm his identity before entering his plea via video link from prison. Looking ahead, a case management hearing is scheduled for September 10, with a trial set to commence on January 12, 2026. Captain Motin, who hails from St. Petersburg, has been in custody since the fateful accident. Previously, in April, he had appeared before a judge via videoconference; however, that hearing was delayed due to the unavailability of a Russian interpreter.

On April 11, 2025, the recently involved tanker, the 'Stena Immaculate', was towed to the port of Great Yarmouth. This operation was conducted by the tugs 'Brage Viking' (IMO: 9475791) and 'Ormesby Cross' (IMO: 9206944), ensuring the vessel's safe arrival and berthing in the foreport. The aftermath of the recent collision between the 'Solong' and 'Stena Immaculate' has prompted the UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) to issue an interim report, illuminating crucial details about the incident. The report meticulously outlines the 'Solong's navigation before the collision, establishes a timeline for its watchkeeping practices, and unequivocally attributes fault to the 'Solong'. The ongoing MAIB investigation aims to delve deeper into several significant areas, including the navigation and watchkeeping protocols aboard both vessels, manning and fatigue management, and the overall condition and maintenance of the involved ships. The study will also assess the utilization of the offshore area as an anchorage for waiting vessels and the environmental conditions present at the time of the accident. Following its tow to Great Yarmouth, it is currently expected that the 'Stena Immaculate' will remain in the port until its future repair destination is settled. For visual updates and additional information, visit: [ITV News](https://www.itv.com/news/anglia/2025-04-11/north-sea-tanker-towed-into-port-one-month-after-collision?fbclid=IwY2xjawJrGzFleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHk4G44MLVn-nasgHUsXSBzdr8gVdSfVSB1GGsmbEo1a36akWZR_qUx27Kyxb_aem_0sGC-1i5tfTt4wxE2GgVeg), [BBC News](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cg72150xvx8o), [Ship Spotting](https://www.shipspotting.com/photos/3826817?navList=gallery&category=39&page=1&viewType=normal&sortBy=newest), [YouTube Coverage](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7tbwxxvFSw), and [Hull Daily Mail](https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/news/hull-east-yorkshire-news/stena-immaculate-docks-great-yarmouth-10102061).

On April 14, 2023, Vladimir Motin, the captain of the 'Soling', made a virtual appearance at London's Central Criminal Court, participating from his prison cell through a video link. The 40-year-old Russian national from Primorsky, St Petersburg, faces serious charges of gross negligence manslaughter linked to the tragic disappearance of crew member Mark Angelo Pernia, 38, originally from the Philippines, who is considered missing and presumed dead. During the concise hearing, Mr. Motin confirmed his identity but did not provide any further comments. The proceedings have been scheduled for a plea hearing on May 30, where further developments in the case are expected to unfold.