The Mechanic-Stepanov: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

On September 13, 2025, the Russian vessel 'Mechanic Stepanov', which was en route from St. Petersburg to Malokurilskoye, experienced a significant power failure. This unfortunate incident caused the ship to drift perilously close to the Lilligrund Wind Farm and towards Drogden Lighthouse before it ultimately anchored in Danish waters, south of Amager. The ship's estimated time of arrival was October 13. The following day, on September 14, a coordinated response from NATO forces, including a British warship, along with Danish and Swedish military vessels, was initiated to monitor the situation. Interestingly, the Swedish Coast Guard was initially responsible for the vessel due to the power failure occurring in Swedish waters within the Kattegat region before the ship drifted into Danish territory. During its drift, 'Mechanic Stepanov' traversed three crucial undersea data and communication cables connecting Denmark with Sweden. Prior to this unintended crossing, the ship alerted authorities about its mechanical troubles just moments before reaching the cables' location on the seabed. Control was regained after approximately 20 to 30 minutes of being adrift, specifically within a busy shipping lane at the Øresund entrance. Subsequently, it anchored for 20 hours near an underwater gas pipeline operated by Swedegas, located between Amager and Skåne, and notably close to Copenhagen Airport as well as the Danish Armed Forces Intelligence Service (FE) premises at Sandagergård. Monitoring efforts by the Danish Defence were in place throughout this period. The 'Mechanic Stepanov' had recently been completed at the Otradnoye Shipyard on the Neva River, receiving its RS class certification on September 4. Prior inspections and sea trials indicated no significant issues, allowing the vessel to set sail for its journey back home to the Kuril Islands. Sadly, the vessel faced a blackout due to a mechanical issue, leading to its unintentional drift in a heavily trafficked maritime route before ultimately dropping anchor. For detailed visuals and further updates, check out the reports with photos provided by Soefart and Danwatch.