The 114 meter long, 3135 dwt freighter Skylark ran aground on the Dnieper River near Kherson, Ukraine. The freighter had departed from Kherson headed to Dnipropetrovsk with 3000 tons of gypsum when it ran aground. The Skylark suffered some water ingress into the engine room. The vessel requested assistance and tugs were able to refloated later the same day. No reports of injuries or pollution being released.
The 108 meter long, 3104 dwt freighter Orel 1 suffered damage from ice while trapped in the Kerch Strait in the Azov Sea. The Orel 1 suffered hull breaches due to the ice allowing water ingress into the vessel. The vessel requested assistance and several icebreakers responded to the scene. The Orel 1 was taken under tow and proceeded to Chushka Split where it anchored. The crew were able to get the water ingress under control with the aid of pumps. The vessel condition was last reported as stable. No reports of injuries or pollution being released.
Authorities from Autonomous Republic of Crimea stated 120 ships are anchored in the Kerch Strait and due to adverse weather conditions in the Sea of Azov, there are 21 vessels surrounded by ice. Rescue helicopters have provided aid to those crewmen who were in need of medical assistance. Forecasters predict temperatures could plunge to as low as minus 30 degrees Celsius in the coming week.
