Grounded Russian Bulker Refloated Off Cornwall, England

A Russian ship runs aground in Falmouth, Cornwall, Britain December 18, 2018 in this photo obtained from social media. TWITTER/@ALEXANDRIAPESIC/via REUTERS 

Update: The Kuzma Minin has been successfully refloated following a combined effort between five harbour tugs and a salvage vessel.

The vessel was refloated at around 2.00pm local time today and moved back out into Falmouth Bay under her own power, with the assistance of the tugs. The weather conditions have improved, which assisted the refloat attempt.

Two Maritime and Coastguard Surveyors will be going on board to carry out an initial assessment of the vessel, before the vessel can be brought alongside for a full inspection.

There continues to be no report of any pollution following the successful refloating of the vessel.

Earlier: A Russian bulk cargo ship ran aground early Tuesday morning off Cornwall in southwestern England.

The ship, Kuzma Minin, reportedly dragged anchor and grounded on the western side of the port entrance between Swanpool and Gyllyngvase beaches at around 0540 today.

Kuzma Minin is a Russian-flagged 180 meter bulk carrier of 23,169 deadweight tonnes.

The vessel has 18 Russian crew on board but there are no reported injuries. There is no cargo on board.

Seas are rough with 60mph winds.

The HM Coastguard reported that the ship has a list of five degrees but there is no report of any pollution.

WATCH #HMCoastguard Winchman Niall Hanson, being lowered down to the #KuzmaMinin to assist the Harbour Pilot onboard. Seas remain rough with 60mph winds. Everyone #allsafe however Newquay Coastguard helicopter remains on standby. An attempt to refloat will be made later today. pic.twitter.com/WCS92nkOFs

— Maritime&Coastguard (@MCA_media) December 18, 2018

An attempt to refloat the vessel will be attempted later today.

HM Coastguard and Devon & Cornwall Police have declared a major incident due to the large number of people that use the beach and the disruption to traffic in the town.

The Secretary of State’s Representative (SOSRep) Maritime Salvage & Intervention is closely monitoring the situation and the local Environment Group is also being kept informed.

Tugs were on their way to the vessel and Falmouth RNLI all-weather lifeboat is standing by at the scene. Falmouth Coastguard Rescue Team have cordoned off an area around the ship.

HM Coastguard Search and Rescue helicopter based at Newquay was used to transfer a pilot on to the vessel.

The attempt to refloat the vessel will take place during high tide later today using harbour tugs.

The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch said it is investigating the incident.