Procuracy Notified Shipowner Of Seiner Rammed Submarine

06.10.2011 Procuracy addressed a notification to JSC Rybnoye, shipowner of seiner Donets collided with nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) Svyatoi Georgy Pobedonosets in Avachinskaya Bay, reports RIA Novosti referring to a representative of Far East Transport Procuracy.

The incident occurred in the night of Sept 21 near Mokhovaya Harbor (Avachinskaya Bay). Fishing seiner Donets fell aboard stern part of SSBN Svyatoi Georgy Pobedonosets.

The seiner got no damage; the sub obtained a crack in main diving ballast tank. Neither submariners nor fishermen suffered as a result of the accident.

"The inquiry has revealed that crewmembers of fishing seiner Donets had violated navigation safety rules active in the Russian Federation, and that was the reason of the incident", said the interviewee.

According to him, shipmaster of seiner Donets failed to arrange navigation with due regard to sailing region and fast-degaussing zone in Mokhovaya Harbor, and so did not take appropriate actions to ensure safe navigation.

"It was also found out that there was no adequate watch service on board Donets which hindered timely detection of navigational danger and situational awareness, and therefore, prevent dangerous approach and ship collision", said the spokesman for procuracy.

He added that Director General of JSC Rybnoye was notified about law violation. The seiner's shipmaster was incriminated administrative infraction in accordance with clause 11.7, RF Administrative Offences Code (breaking of navigation rules).