Grounded Russian bulker successfully refloated

Vessel was refloated in coordinated effort by five harbor tugs and a salvage vessel

DECEMBER 19, 2018 — The U.K. Coastguard reports that efforts to refloat a Murmansk Shipping Company bulker that grounded off Cornwall yesterday were successful.

Following a combined effort between five harbor tugs and a salvage vessel, the 180 m long Kuzma Minin was back afloat by around 2.00 pm local time yesterday and moving back out into Falmouth Bay under her own power, with the assistance of the tugs.

H.M. Coastguard said that two Maritime and Coastguard Surveyors would be going on board to carry out an initial assessment of the vessel, before it could be brought alongside for a full inspection.

There continued to be no report of any pollution following the successful refloating of the vessel.

James Instance, Maritime Operations Controller for H.M. Coastguard said, “It was great to see an excellently and swiftly coordinated response to this incident today. The cooperation of all service involved helped to ensure a successful rescue operation in very demanding conditions.”