The 138 meter long, 5223 dwt freighter Kapitan Skachkov went aground on the Volga River near Astrakhan, Russia.  Attempts to refloat the vessel failed.   The crew requested assistance with another freighter and a floating crane arriving on scene to begin lightering.  After lightering, a tug will assist in refloating.   No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.  The Kapitan Skachkov was loaded with 4750 tons of sulphur cargo at the time of incident.