Russian Trawler Sinks After Fire

Photo: Salvamento Maritimo

A Russian fishing trawler that caught fire Saturday has sunk off the Canary Islands.

Spain’s Salvamento Maritimo reports that the trawler Oleg Naydenov sank late Tuesday night 15 miles south of Punta Maspalomas in water depths of 2,400 meters. A tug remains in the area of the sinking. The Harbor Master at Las Palmas has activated the National Maritime Response Plan to attack any possible contamination from the vessel.

The Oleg Naydenov caught fire Saturday, April 11 while the ship was docked at the Port of Las Palmas in the Canary Islands. The ship was then towed out to sea to reduce the threat posed to the port.

All 72 people aboard the ship were able to disembark safely at Las Palmas.

Although the fire was completely extinguished Monday night, the ship was still suffering from a severe list and was badly damaged by the fire.

On Tuesday, officials were hoping to be able to board the vessel to see if it could be towed to back to port.

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