Investigation Launched After Russian Cargo Ship Incident
Russian officials are investigating a cargo ship incident that occurred last week in Nakhodka, a port city on the Russian east coast. The vessel, named Stepan Geits, tilted dangerously while loading logs, causing a significant portion of its cargo to fall into the harbor. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the incident.
Details of the Incident
The *Stepan Geits*, a 297-foot cargo ship built in 1983 in Japan, has been operating under the Russian flag since 1996. It is part of the Lesprom Network, which specializes in wood products. On January 16, while logs were being loaded, the ship suddenly began to list to starboard. This instability resulted in approximately 1,000 cubic meters of logs rolling off the deck and into the harbor.
Witnesses reported that crew members jumped to safety onto the pier as the vessel tilted. A crane was actively loading cargo near the bow when the incident occurred. After the initial tilt, the ship managed to regain stability and returned to an even keel, but it sustained damage during the process.
The Nakhodka Transport Office confirmed that the timber product was subsequently removed from the water. The Transport Prosecutor’s Office is now investigating the circumstances surrounding the loss of the deck cargo. Preliminary reports suggest that the logs may not have been properly secured, contributing to the incident.
The *Stepan Geits* had previously been cited for deficiencies during a Port State Inspection in Dalian, China, in November. Issues included the structural conditions of ballast, fuel, and other tanks. This history raises concerns about the vessel’s operational safety and adherence to maritime regulations. The investigation aims to determine the exact cause of the incident and prevent similar occurrences in the future.
