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.
On February 25, the 138 meter long, 3775 dwt cargo vessel Zhadeit collided with the 130 meter long, 7109 dwt tanker Lerik on the Don River off Rostov-on-Don, Russia. The Zhadeit’s bow struck into the side of the Lerik. The results was a hull breach on the Lerik while the Zhadeit sustained significant bow damage. No reports of injuries. Local authorities dispatched a team to the scene to investigate the incident. No reports of pollution released by the Lerik.
