The 119 meter long, 3373 dwt bulk carrier Viscount ran aground on the Volga River near Astrakhan, Russia. The Viscount loaded with metal had veered into the shallows and ran upon a mud bank.  The cargo vessel failed to refloat itself and requested assistance.  No reports of injuries to the 10 crew, damage or pollution released.  The owners has arrange to have a salvage company to refloat the vessel. Reports state that authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.