Naval accident off the coast of England: captain sentenced for the death of a crew member

In March 2025, a maritime accident led to the death of Filipino Mark Angelo Pernia, a crew member, and Captain Motin was found guilty by the Old Bailey court in London. The judge determined that Pernia's death 'could have been entirely avoided' and that the blame lies entirely with Motin.

The collision occurred in broad daylight, about 20 kilometers off the northeast coast of England, when the Solong, flying the Portuguese flag, struck a tanker chartered by the U.S. military, which was anchored. The impact caused fires on both vessels but did not result in an oil spill. Motin's defense argued that he spotted the tanker three miles away, but the ship was on autopilot, and the captain claimed he pressed a 'wrong button' in an attempt to change course. Motin denied that he had fallen asleep or that he had left his post on the morning of the tragedy.