On May 20, the 140 meter long, 6613 dwt tanker Aleksandr Shemagin allided on the Volga River near Balakovo, Russia. The Aleksandr Shemagin was en route to Syzran from Rostov-on-Don when it struck an embankment along the river. Reports state the tanker and embankment sustained slight damage. No reports of injuries or pollution released.
The 132 meter long, 4125 dwt tanker Volgoneft 249 ran aground on the Kama River in Tatarstan, Russia. The Volgoneft 249 was loaded with 3736 tons of gasoline from Bashkortostan to Rostov-on-Don when it touch bottom. No reports of damage, injuries or pollution released. Reports state the tanker was later refloated and proceeded to Ulyanovsk where it was inspected before continuing on to Nikolaevk.
On March 29, the 164 meter long, 16038 dwt tanker Varzuga became disabled in the Gulf of Ob in the Barents Sea off Russia. The Varzuga had suffered a breakdown with its steering while in ice. The tanker requested assistance with the icebreakers 160 meter long 50 Let Pobedy and 150 meter long Vaygach responding. Both ice breakers were able to clear a path and the Vaygach took the Varzuga under tow until the tanker was clear of the ice. The tug Umka took over the tow and the vessels proceeded to Murmansk. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.
