M/v Igor Farkhutdinov cruising between Sakhalin and Kuril Islands has stuck in the ice on her way to Korsakov (Sakhalin region), according to
TASS.
"This ship is able to navigate through ice independently. We are monitoring the situation and have not received any call for help or distress message yet," reported captain-coordinator on duty of Maritime Rescue Subcentre in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.
M/v Igor Farkhutdinov had left Malokurilskoye (Shikotan) on 5 February. The ship has 127 passengers and 42 containers on board.
According to the press-office of the Sakhalin region government, the density of ice floes where the ship has stuck is estimated to the maximum value of 10 points.
"Now the motor ship is going through the ice trying to reach the open water, which is quite close according to satellite maps. The ship's floating capability is not compromised. All maneuvers are safe: m/v Igor Farkhutdinov is of ice class and its master is experienced. We expect ice condition to improve today in the afternoon with the high tide and wind direction changed: the ice floes will be set in motion, the ice will become less dense, and the ship will be able to break out of the ice trap and arrive to Korsakov by the morning 9 February. We are in contact with the ship crew. The passengers are provided with everything they need, and decision is taken to feed them for free. The ship is adequately supplied with food and water. Fuel supplies will last for at least a week," said Sergei Kondrashin, the Director General of the Marine Company Sakhalin – Kurily.
