Crew Reviews, Ratings & Info for Professor-Molchanov

On July 29, 2019, the s/y 'Kreiser' embarked from Arkhangelsk towards the remote Novaya Zemlya Archipelago. However, the voyage quickly turned perilous as a rope reportedly got entangled in the vessel's propeller, leaving it incapacitated amidst a brewing storm. Struggling against formidable winds and towering waves, the crew issued a distress signal to alert maritime authorities. The situation escalated on July 30 when the crew of the research vessel 'Professor Molchanov' received a fax detailing the mayday alert. Without hesitation, they reached out to the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center, who promptly redirected their operations to assist in the rescue. The research vessel 'Akademik Nikolai Strakhov' was first on the scene and immediately began efforts to rescue the distressed 'Kreiser'. Despite these efforts, high waves measuring 4 to 5 meters and winds gusting up to 20 meters per second posed significant obstacles. Although 'Akademik Strakhov' was able to initially take 'Kreiser' in tow, the line snapped due to the harsh weather conditions. Around 4 a.m. on July 31, 'Professor Molchanov' approached 'Kreiser' as closely as safety permitted. The crew successfully transferred a portable transmitter and a towing line to the stranded yacht. Ultimately, they managed to tow the vessel to safety at a receiving buoy in Arkhangelsk. For further details, view the report with accompanying photos: https://arctic.ru/news/20190801/873373.html

The Murmansk prosecutors office has officially filed charges against Anatoly Semenov, the director of the Murmansk Monitoring Centre for Weather and Environment. This legal action stems from allegations surrounding the vessel 'Professor Molchanov,' a state-owned ship that has been utilized for tourist cruises and international voyages, as reported by Barentsnova. The 'Professor Molchanov' has been a crucial asset for the monitoring center since its acquisition in 1982, primarily serving as a research vessel for collecting weather data in the Arctic regions. In 1997, the center entered into a charter agreement with a Cypriot firm for the vessel’s use, with the initial contract set for three years and extended multiple times, the most recent extension projected to last until September 2011. However, it has come to light that the center may be violating regulations by leasing state-owned property. Along with this violation, there are serious allegations of financial misconduct, including the misappropriation of rental income. Regional prosecutors have announced that the financial losses involved exceed 48 million RUB. As a result of these findings, a criminal case has been initiated against Semenov under Article 286 of the Russian Penal Code, which pertains to abuse of power.