On October 18, 2024, cargo ship Grigory Lovtsov capsized in the Sea of Okhotsk near Sakhalin Island, Russia, possibly resulting in casualties.
The vessel, which was transporting sand and gravel, lost stability, likely due to overloading. A search and rescue operation was promptly initiated, involving a rescue vessel and two tugboats. As of now, four out of seven crew members are still missing, and unconfirmed reports indicate that two bodies were recovered during the operation.
The regional governor, Valery Limarenko, is leading the investigation into the capsizing. He noted that the vessel has been secured and is being towed to shore for a thorough inspection. Authorities are examining potential safety violations that may have contributed to the tragedy, particularly concerning cargo stability.
The Grigory Lovtsov had a previous incident in 2022 when it became trapped in ice off Sakhalin, necessitating crew evacuation.