Russian ship detained in British harbour
A Russian ship has been held in a British harbour while inspectors probe a breach in its fuel tank.
The 16,000-tonne Kuzma Minin will be moved by tug boats to a sheltered spot within Falmouth Harbour in Cornwall later on Christmas Eve as a “precautionary measure”.
The cargo ship, named after a Russian resistance fighter, has been directed not to leave the harbour until repairs have been made after a Port State Inspection by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency confirmed a breach in one of the fuel tanks.
There have been no reports of pollution but a follow-up inspection will be made before the ship can be released.
The vessel has full electrical and engine power, and all 18 Russian crew onboard are said to be safe and well.
A spokesperson for the MCA said the Secretary of State’s Representative for Maritime Salvage and Intervention and the Environment Group will continue to monitor the situation.
The ship ran aground off Gyllyngvase Beach in Falmouth at about 5.40am last Tuesday in what was described as extreme and horrific weather before it was refloated during high tide.
