Working Conditions Aboard the Merkuriy

On October 12, 2016, a distressing maritime accident unfolded in the Black Sea when the Russian floating crane 'ASPTR-1', a 1000 dwt vessel managed by the State Agency Rosmorrechflot, sank approximately 1.5 miles off Livadiya village near Yalta. The crane was under tow alongside the tugs 'Merkuriy' and 'Derzkiy', en route from Gurzuf to Sevastopol, when it encountered severe weather conditions leading to water ingress. The sinking occurred at 3 a.m. local time, resulting in five crew members being successfully rescued by the 'Derzkiy.' Unfortunately, three other crew members remain unaccounted for. A search and rescue (SAR) operation was promptly initiated, but as of the afternoon, the search had yet to yield any results.