Salvage Operations Delayed for Damaged Russian Patrol Ship
Salvage operations for the ice-class patrol ship ‘Purga‘ have not commenced three days after a Ukrainian attack on March 25, 2026. The incident has left the vessel, which is under construction for the Russian FSB Coast Guard, severely damaged and listing at a dangerous angle of 30–40 degrees to port. As of March 27, 2026, high-resolution satellite images show no salvage activity at the Vyborg Shipyard in the Leningrad region. The nearby oceanographic research vessel ‘Vice Admiral Burilichev’ is currently preventing the ‘Purga’ from capsizing.
The ‘Purga’ is designed for Arctic operations and is equipped with advanced weaponry. This includes a 76 mm AK-176MA artillery mount, two 30 mm six-barrel AK-306M anti-aircraft artillery mounts, four 12.7 mm machine guns, and MANPADS launchers. The ship was intended to enhance Russia’s maritime capabilities in challenging environments. The ongoing delay in salvage efforts raises concerns about the vessel’s future and the capabilities of the Russian Coast Guard.
Ukrainian Drones Strike Russian Icebreaker Under Construction
Ice Navigation Restrictions Implemented at Vyborg Port
Effective February 6, 2019, navigation restrictions have been imposed at the port of Vyborg due to severe ice conditions. The Port Harbour Master, Igor Malafeyev, announced that the ongoing low temperatures, which have dropped below -15 degrees Celsius, necessitate these measures to ensure maritime safety. Non-ice-class ships and ATB units are prohibited from navigating in the icy waters of the port.
Under the new regulations, vessels classified as Ice1 may operate only with the assistance of icebreakers, while ships of Ice2 classification and higher can navigate independently or with icebreaker support. These restrictions are crucial for maintaining safe passage through the challenging icy waters, especially given the long-standing cold weather in the region. The port authorities are closely monitoring the ice situation to adjust navigation rules as necessary to ensure the safety of all maritime traffic.
