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Unfavorable weather conditions are hindering rescue operations, authorities have said
A Chinese cargo ship has run aground off Sakhalin Island in the Russian Far East, the regional branch of Russia’s Emergencies Ministry has reported.
The stranded vessel is reportedly fully loaded with coal and heavy fuel oil. This has prompted local authorities to declare high alert over environmental risks.
“On the night of February 9, the Crisis Management Center of the Main Directorate of the Russian Emergencies Ministry for the Sakhalin Region received information that a foreign cargo ship had become stranded south of the port of Nevelsk,” the ministry said in a statement on Sunday.
“There are 20 crew members on board, none of whom require medical assistance. No fuel spill has been observed. Authorities are currently working on a plan to refloat the vessel.”
According to Sakhalin Governor Valery Limarenko, the incident occurred when the ship, identified as An Yang 2, was loading coal at the port. Due to the storm, the crew lost control of the vessel, causing it to become stranded about 200 meters from the coast.
While there is no immediate threat to the crew or signs of a fuel spill, officials remain on high alert due to the hazardous cargo and stormy conditions. Limarenko has declared a state of heightened readiness in the Nevelsky district, stressing the need for a rapid response.
The vessel “is fully loaded with hydrocarbons. It is stuck in shallow water at a depth of approximately 2 meters and 70 centimeters,” the governor told the Izvestia news outlet, adding that strong winds and high waves have hindered rescue efforts.
“At present, marine rescue and divers cannot approach the vessel due to a strong storm. Decisions on unloading the vessel or removing it from the shoal will be made as soon as weather conditions improve.”
Authorities plan to deploy containment booms as a precaution against possible fuel leaks.
The crew, all Chinese nationals, did not issue a distress signal. Communication has been difficult due to language barriers, according to local officials. The Russian Foreign Ministry is assisting in coordinating with the ship’s operators.
A similar incident occurred in 2021, when a Chinese cargo ship became stranded off the coast of the Sakhalin town of Kholmsk.
