Search for barge communication with which was lost on November 3 is under way near eastern coast of Chukotka

The search for the barge of the Vostok 039 type communication with which was lost on November 3rd recommenced near the eastern coast of the Chukot peninsula on Monday, RIA Novosti was told in the press service of the Far-Eastern regional centre of MChS. The barge was lost during cabotage with cargoes for the northern settlements situated along the coast of Chukotka. Five people were on board the barge.

Early on Monday morning the search groups on reindeer and dog teams were sent to the area of the coast where a bonfire had been spotted from air on Sunday night. But, as the rescue workers said, the bonfire was that of fishermen.

The search groups continue combing the coast. The Vostok special craft and six whaleboats joined them to explore the sea near Sinyavin Strait and Arakamchenen island.

As the ship-owners say, there are enough foodstuffs on board the barge but there is no radio station. The life of the crew is in immediate jeopardy, since the small barge with a 21-ton displacement cannot stand ocean waves. The barge is very old and risks decaying in the open sea.

Considering the direction of the wind and the currents, experts believe that the barge could be carried away either into Senyavin Strait, or to the U.S. coast, to Saint Lawrence Island. But the craft has not been found anywhere so far, despite the U.S. Coast Guard's assistance.