Why Russian ship's still stuck in Falmouth two months after grounding

Why Russian ship's still stuck in Falmouth two months after grounding
Jeff Reines 14 Feb 2019 https://www.cornwalllive.com/news/cornwall-news/russian-ship-still-stuck...

A Russian cargo ship is still waiting to leave UK waters two months after it ran aground - because of an unpaid debt.

The Kuzma Minin got stuck yards from Gyllyngvase Beach in Falmouth during stormy weather in December and was eventually freed after a lengthy rescue operation.

But although the ship and 18 crew were freed it is still sitting in the bay at Falmouth and unable to leave due to an unpaid debt - known as an 'arrest'.

In a statement, the Russian Embassy said: "The arrest means that the cargo ship will not leave the UK until the debt is paid, even if all comments of the UK competent authorities on its technical condition are resolved.

"The crew is on board. The Embassy keeps in touch with the master of the ship and with representatives of the UK authorities, who are approaching the situation in a constructive manner."

The Kuzma Minin ran aground off Gyllyngvase Beach in Falmouth (Image: Alexandria Pesic)

Duncan Paul, deputy harbour master at Falmouth, said: "It’s fairly unusual, I’m trying to think how many times I’ve seen it.

"This kind of situation with the Kuzma Minin, where it looks like it will be a bit more protracted, is the first I’ve seen since I’ve worked here.

"I liaise with Port Health, the MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency), the Admiralty Marshal, the Russian Embassy and the owners to make sure the crew have proper amounts of food on board, fresh water, fuel… currently they’re in good stead.”

The 16,000-tonne ship ran aground in stormy seas and 65mph winds on December 18.