Timber-laden freighter goes aground

The freighter Omsk 137, carrying a load of timber, ran aground near Sommers Island in the Gulf of Finland at 4:55 this morning (local time). The vessel was heading to Khusum on Botnichesky Gulf. As Rosbalt has learned at the press service of the North-West Regional Center of the Russian Ministry for Emergencies, no injuries have been reported among the 11-person crew of the ship. Early information indicates that four tanks of ballast were broken in the grounding but that no leakage of oil products took place. A rescue ship and a tug, the MB 1209, were dispatched to the scene. Divers are to check the damage to the vessel. The Maritime Center for Rescue Coordination is handling the rescue. The freighter is carrying 51 tonnes of fuel in its tanks.