A Russian sea captain has told a court that confusing new stickers on his vessel's steering controls were responsible for a catastrophic collision with an American oil tanker, which resulted in a deadly fireball and the presumed death of a Filipino crew member.
Dramatic Collision Near the Humber Estuary
Vladimir Motin, aged 59, was in command of the Portuguese cargo ship Solong when it ploughed into the anchored US tanker Stena Immaculate at 9.47am on March 10 last year. The impact occurred near the Humber Estuary off the Yorkshire coast, causing both vessels to erupt into flames. The inferno was fuelled by aviation fuel carried on the Stena Immaculate, which leaked upon impact and engulfed the ships.
Filipino crew member Mark Angelo Pernia, 38, who had been posted at the front of the American vessel, is presumed dead after his body was never recovered. Crew members from the Solong attempted to search for Mr Pernia but were unable to reach him due to the intense flames.
Confusing Control Labels Blamed for Tragedy
Motin, who denies a charge of manslaughter by gross negligence, informed the jury that the ship's other captain had altered the labels on the steering controls while he was on holiday. The buttons for autopilot and manual steering, originally marked with clear stickers, were changed to display a picture of a wheel and a 'smiley face'. Additionally, a red sticker had been placed over a red indicator light designed to show whether a button was activated or not.
The captain testified that he found these changes bewildering upon his return. He mentioned his confusion to the second captain who had been in charge during his absence. Motin claimed that as his vessel hurtled towards the American tanker, he attempted to disengage the autopilot but was unable to do so until after the collision had already occurred.
Chilling Audio and Video Evidence Presented
The court heard a recording from the Stena Immaculate capturing the moment of impact. A loud crash is audible, followed by American crew members shouting: 'Holy s***... what just hit us... a container ship... this is no drill, this is no drill, fire fire fire, we have had a collision.'
Approximately one minute after the crash, Motin can be heard on audio attempting to contact the tanker: 'Stena Immaculate, Stena Immaculate.' In separate video footage from the Solong, a man's voice is heard above alarm bells pleading: 'Lord help us. Lord help us. Lord help us.'
Captain's Background and Design Influence
Motin, who has lived in St Petersburg, Russia his entire life and has a wife and daughter, began his maritime career as a sea apprentice in 1985. He became captain of the Solong in 2009 following the retirement of the previous captain. Interestingly, in 2005, he assisted the ship's owners in designing a new bridge layout; his plans were subsequently used for the vessel's sister ship, the Samskip.
His designs included repositioning the autopilot monitor closer to the operator's seat. Motin claims to have informed the captain of the Samskip about a potential 'problem' where the sister ship 'can receive sudden rudder blockage without generating any alarms on the ship alarm system'. He stated this issue remains 'subject to investigation.'
Events Leading to the Fatal Incident
Motin explained to the court that the Solong operates with two captains due to his schedule, which splits the year between his home in Russia and his duties aboard the ship. On the day of the collision, he arrived on the bridge at 7.53am to begin his watch at 8am. Visibility was reported to be approximately three nautical miles, and he believed there were no apparent problems with the vessel that morning.
At the time of the accident, Motin was on sole watch duty. Following the collision and the ensuing fire, he gave the order to abandon ship, and the remaining crew evacuated in a lifeboat. The Solong was left a smouldering wreck, with its bridge completely ruined.
The captain presented his evidence in English, with a Russian interpreter providing assistance when necessary. The trial is set to continue tomorrow as the court further examines the circumstances surrounding this tragic maritime disaster.
