LONDON, Jan 12, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - The Russian captain of a cargo ship which hit a tanker in the North Sea off the UK coast triggering a huge fire goes on trial Monday charged with manslaughter for the death of a crew member. Vladimir Motin, 59, from St Petersburg, has been charged with one count of gross negligence manslaughter. He has pleaded not guilty and will stand trial at London's Old Bailey court which is expected to last several weeks. The stationary oil tanker was operating "in compliance" with watch requirements for an anchored vessel, its owner Crowley insisted. More than 16 tonnes (16,000 kilograms) of plastics were removed from beaches in northeastern Lincolnshire, according to the local council.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha January 12, 2026 09:10 UTC