Captain and Crew Found Drunk After Russian Cargo Ship Almost Grounds in Poland

A Russian cargo ship has been detained in Poland after coming dangerously close to grounding and authorities found the captain and three of its crew members drunk.

According to Poland’s Maritime Office, the incident took place overnight Friday (December 3 to 4) when the Russian-flagged ship, identified as the Ruslana, left the designated shipping lanes in Gdansk Bay and did not respond to calls.

The movement of the vessel was being tracked by the Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) in Zatoka which alerted the Maritime Department of Border Guard that the ship was in danger of grounding.

A team from the Maritime Search and Rescue Service was sent to the scene, eventually establishing contact with the vessel “after some time.”

The track of the MV Ruslana, according to the Polish Maritime Office:

The ship was directed to an anchorage where Border Guard confirmed that captain and three crew members were intoxicated.

An inspector from Port State Inspectorate of the Gdynia Maritime Office boarded the ship and issued a note on detention. The police have also been notified.

The 2007-built Ruslana a Russian-flagged bulk carrier measuring 120-meters-long and 7,750 deadweight tonnes.

Updated: October 20, 2023 (Originally published December 6, 2021)

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