Tanker Karakumneft is pumped dry, some 300 tons leaked

Tanker Karakumneft ran aground at around 1915 LT Feb 16 2012 in Kitovaya Bay, Kurilsk port, Iturup island, having to suspend offloading and leave the oil terminal due to oncoming storm. Tanker stuck fast with some 900 mt of fuel on board, divers found 6 holes along the portside of the vessel. From Feb 19 till Feb 25 salvage teams from State Emergency Agency were pumping fuel via ship-shore hoses into tanker trucks. Some 300 mt of fuel leaked, though authorities doesn’t admit it. As of Feb 25 tanker is in the same position, all tanks are empty, so at least there won’t be any leaks. Official investigation is under way, but due to unofficial sources, tanker grounded because of the mistake of the captain, the only way he could avoid grounding was an emergency anchor letting go together with chain, instead he ordered to heave an anchor in time-sensitive conditions, when swell and wind were pushing the vessel towards the rocks. Presently it’s not yet known if tanker will be salvaged or abandoned. Tanker Karakumneft IMO 7045542, dwt 1660, built 1970, flag Russia, owner NIKO Co., Vladivostok.