22:10, 1 October 2010

In Sochi, passenger ship thrown ashore by storm

Today in the afternoon, the passenger ship "Photon" was thrown out by storm ashore in the Adler District of Sochi. The crew is safe.

The ship, which came ashore to the beach of the "Avtomobilist" rest home, had been stationed in the water of the Sochi Sea Port. During the storm the ship was abeam of Hosta village; then it was thrown off its anchors and washed ashore. Three crew members were evacuated from the ship by employees of the Ministry for Emergencies (MfE). The "Interfax" reports that there are two tons of diesel fuel remaining onboard.

According to Mikhail Kolesnikov, deputy head of the Department of Russian MfE for Sochi, the vessel has no leaks; however, it was still decided to pump off the fuel - to ensure greater security and for "self-soothing." "Specialists of the MfE are in the venue in the state of readiness for any potential emergency," the RIA "Novosti" reported with reference to Mr Kolesnikov.

Let us remind you that that "Photon" was the first ship on Adler-Gagra route after restoration from August 17, 2010, of regular maritime passenger traffic between Russia and Abkhazia.