Skipper of cargo ship charged with manslaughter

The 59 year-old Russian is accused over the death of a missing crewman

The Russian captain of the container ship which crashed into a US oil tanker in the North Sea has been charged over the death of a crew member who is missing and presumed dead.

The Solong’s master Vladimir Motin, 59, of Primorsky, St Petersburg, in Russia, will appear at Hull Magistrates’ Court on Saturday charged with gross negligence manslaughter, Humberside Police said.

A statement from the force said: “An investigation by Humberside Police supported by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) into the collision between a tanker and a cargo vessel in the North Sea, off the coast of East Yorkshire, has resulted in a man being charged.

“The captain of the Solong vessel, Vladimir Motin, 59 years old, of Primorsky, St Petersburg, Russia, has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter and been remanded in police custody to appear at Hull Magistrates’ Court tomorrow.

“On Monday, 10 March, Humberside Police received a report at around 11am that a collision had occurred between the two vessels, resulting in one crew member being reported missing.

“Extensive searches were carried out by HM Coastguard to locate the missing crew member, now presumed deceased. The family are being supported by specialist trained officers and our thoughts remain with them at this difficult time.”

Published: 14/03/2025 by Radio NewsHub