Nucelar Icebreakers Rescue Drifting Tanker in Arctic
On September 5th, the Northern Sea Route Administration reported that the tanker Nordvik was transiting from Ob Bay to Khatanga with nearly 5,000 tons of arctic diesel fuel. Violating the issued NSR Administration permit, the tanker independently entered the ice-covered water. The vessel then suffered a hole of the 11 ballast tank on its port side. There were no reported oil spills or victims.
The influx of water was stopped using cement, but the drifting ship had to wait for another tanker Boris Vilkitsky to discharge the cargo. The tanker was stranded in the Strait of Mathiesen where there were small ice pieces, 5-6 points.
The shipowner negotiated with the FSUE Atomflot on the pilotage of both vessels to the port of Khatanga.
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Nordvik was moored on September 11th from the left side to the right side of the tanker B. Vilkitsky. 1,800 tons of arctic diesel fuel was transshipped with the pumps of the Nordvik. Reports state that the hull of the Nordvik has no flooding.
Security in the area is provided by the nuclear-powered icebreaker Taimyr, also equipped with oil spill response equipment. Further icebreaking pilotage of vessels will be provided by icebreaker Yamal, which is also located in the Strait of Mathiesen.
