The UK Coastguard assisted a Russian flagged vessel that had a significant list just outside Portsmouth Harbour. However, inclement weather impedes plans to move ‘Mekhanik Yartsev’, which remains at anchor in the Solent Plans and will transit in to Southampton Harbour with tug escort on 28 December.
Although the vessel has developed a considerable list, it has power and is currently stable. The vessel is at anchor in the Solent and a pilot vessel is assessing the vessel’s stability and cargo.
The Coastguard is issuing navigational safety broadcasts every half hour to warn shipping in the area and a tug and an All Weather Lifeboat are standing by on scene.
Later this morning surveyors are expected to visit the vessel to reassess the vessel’s stability and cargo. Plans to right the vessel will be progressed accordingly and the intention is to move the vessel into Southampton Harbour later today.
The vessel reported to Coastguard the loss of 30 pieces of cargo, during bad weather conditions, approximately 20 miles south of the Worthing area on the south coast. The cargo packages are approximately 3-4 cubic metres each and contain timber. The packages are reported to have broken up resulting in individual planks floating on the surface.
The 13 crew onboard remain safe and well and there is no pollution threat. A tug remains on scene, and an RNLI All Weather Lifeboat is on standby as precautionary measure.
