MOSCOW, Russia (AP) — An emergency has been declared in Russia’s Sakhalin region following the grounding of the Chinese cargo ship An Yang 2 off the southwest coast. The vessel, which is carrying coal and heavy fuel oil, ran aground on February 9, 2025, with 20 crew members aboard, according to Governor Valery Limarenko.
- Emergency declared in Sakhalin region
- Chinese cargo ship An Yang 2 aground
- No danger to crew reported
- Fuel spillage not recorded
- Bad weather hampers rescue efforts
- Sakhalin's territorial dispute with Japan
Limarenko reported that there was no immediate danger to the crew and no fuel spillage was recorded. However, local authorities are preparing for potential scenarios as bad weather has hindered rescue teams from reaching the stranded ship, located approximately 200 meters (650 feet) offshore.
The grounding of the An Yang 2 has raised concerns about environmental safety in the Sakhalin region, which is located in Russia’s Far East. The ship is marooned in shallow waters off the Nevelsky district, prompting local authorities to prepare for possible fuel removal operations to prevent any environmental damage.
Critical details include:
- Date of grounding: February 9, 2025
- Vessel: An Yang 2
- Cargo: Coal and heavy fuel oil
- Number of crew members: 20
Bad weather conditions have made it difficult for rescue teams to access the vessel. Earlier this year, the region faced a significant environmental challenge when volunteers worked to contain a fuel oil spill from storm-damaged tankers in the Kerch Strait near Crimea. This incident underscores the importance of preparedness for potential spills in the Sakhalin area.
The Sakhalin region, comprising the island of Sakhalin and the Kuril Islands, has a complex geopolitical history, particularly regarding territorial disputes with Japan. This incident may further complicate the region’s maritime safety and environmental management efforts.
The grounding of the An Yang 2 highlights the vulnerabilities of maritime operations in challenging weather conditions. Authorities in Sakhalin are taking precautionary measures to ensure the safety of the crew and the environment while monitoring the situation closely.
