What Crew Members Say About Kuzma-Minin

An investigation report regarding the grounding of the bulk carrier 'Kuzma Minin' on December 18, 2018, has shed light on critical issues surrounding the vessel's operation. The report reveals that the Russian ship was sailing without insurance when it ran aground near Gyllngvase Beach in Falmouth due to adverse weather and a dragging anchor amidst heavy swells. The 'Kuzma Minin,' which had departed from Terneuzen, Holland, on December 7 after a 71-day detention by port state control, was returning from its journey when the incident occurred. On August 1, the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) published its findings, highlighting that a major reason for the grounding was insufficient investment from the vessel's owner, the Murmansk Shipping Company (MSCO). The report pointed out that unpaid debts led to the withdrawal of the vessel's Protection and Indemnity (P&I) insurance. Furthermore, the constraints in procuring necessary fuel and lubricants while in Falmouth, in addition to difficulties with agency services, exacerbated the situation. The absence of insurance significantly hampered the owner's cooperation with the appointed salvor, which was crucial had the recovery operations failed initially. Financial liability for the salvage operation fell entirely on the Falmouth Harbour Authority, as standard insurance provisions for ports and harbors do not cover wreck removal unless navigation safety is at risk, which was not the case here. This lack of P&I insurance lingered for over three months and likely went unnoticed during the inspection in Terneuzen since the relevant certificate remained on board. Key conclusions from the report include: - The limited fuel and the lack of oil reserves on the 'Kuzma Minin' influenced the captain's decision to remain anchored in perilous conditions with strong winds predicted. - The vessel's anchor ultimately dragged due to wind speeds exceeding 50 knots, its ballast condition, and increased sea swells. - Although the crew attempted to set sail after detecting movement, complications arose when a chain fouled the port anchor, limiting maneuvers away from the shore. - The Falmouth harbourmaster faced challenges in response coordination without assistance from the vessel's owner or salvor, which incited repeated requests to the Secretary of State’s Representative for Maritime Salvage and Intervention (SOSREP) for guidance. Ultimately, the SOSREP concluded that there was no immediate pollution threat and endorsed the local recovery operation, though earlier communication would have benefited the harbourmaster's response efforts. The Falmouth Harbour Authority is making strides to enhance future safety and operational protocols, including recommending the consideration of re-anchoring bunker vessels further offshore during severe weather. The authority is implementing additional checks to confirm P&I insurance status for vessels and is liaising with the UK government’s shipping minister to refine the National Contingency Plan (NCP) for future incidents. In light of these findings, the JSC Murmansk Shipping Company is urged to improve its resource management for safe operations and ensure compliance with international standards, particularly the critical need to uphold P&I insurance and sufficient fuel reserves.

On October 27, 2018, the cargo vessel 'Kuzma Minin' became stranded on the right bank of the River Neva, specifically near the 1.337 km mark close to Otradnoye. The vessel was carrying 2,995 tons of rubble when it experienced a loss of draught measuring 10 centimeters. In response to the incident, plans were set in motion to deploy a tugboat to the site to provide necessary assistance and facilitate the vessel's refloating.