Russian Ship Freed After A Month Trapped In Ice

On Sunday the Russian Transport Ministry announced that Krasin and Admiral Makarov icebreakers had finally freed a fish processing ship that had been trapped in the ice since New Years Eve.

The SODRUZHESTVO, became trapped in the ice in the Sea of Okhotsk on December 31. The fish processing ship was the last of fives vessels to be rescued from the frigid seas off Russia’s east coat. The vessels large size required rescue crews to clear a wider path in order to free the ship and tow it to open waters.

Rescue officials were in contact with the vessel during the month long stranding, and knew the vessel had plenty of food and water to sustain the crew during that time.

Also on December 31, the BEREG NADEZHDY freighter and the PROFESSOR KIZEVETTER research vessel became stuck in the ice within close proximity to the SODRUZHESTVO. Just days later the MYS YELIZAVETY and the ANTON GURIN also became trapped. Far Eastern Shipping Company announced Monday that the rescue operations to free the five ships cost about $5 million.
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PICTURED: Krasin Icebreaker