Notice: Function _load_textdomain_just_in_time was called incorrectly. Translation loading for the the-events-calendar domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home/storm/sites/dev-imca-int-com-1/public/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6114

Notice: Function _load_textdomain_just_in_time was called incorrectly. Translation loading for the broken-link-checker domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home/storm/sites/dev-imca-int-com-1/public/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6114

Notice: Function _load_textdomain_just_in_time was called incorrectly. Translation loading for the woocommerce-eu-vat-number domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home/storm/sites/dev-imca-int-com-1/public/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6114
Grounding of bulk carrier Kuzma Minin at Falmouth - DEV imca
Skip to content

Grounding of bulk carrier Kuzma Minin at Falmouth

What happened?

The UK Marine Accident Investigation (MAIB) has published its report into the grounding of the Russian bulk carrier Kuzma Minin at Falmouth Bay, England, in December 2018.

See here for the fuller MAIB report.

What went wrong?

Kuzma Minin ran aground after dragging its anchor and was successfully refloated on the next high water.  Damage included shell plate deformation and breached tanks.  The vessel dragged its anchor in strong winds.  Although the movement towards the shore was quickly detected by the bridge watchkeeper, the actions taken to proceed to sea were interrupted by the anchor becoming fouled by a discarded length of anchor chain.  As focus was turned to clearing the anchor, Kuzma Minin was blown towards the shore at a speed of over 2 knots.

Falmouth’s harbourmaster used local resources to refloat the vessel but concerns over Kuzma Minin’s lack of Protection and indemnity (P&I) insurance cover, and its owner’s lack of co-operation in appointing a salvor, caused unexpected pressures.

The financial situation of the owners meant that Kuzma Minin’s Master was unable to replenish bunkers and lube oil, which influenced his decision to remain at anchor on a lee shore when strong winds were forecast.

Kuzma Minin’s lack of P&I insurance led to concerns over responsibility for salvage payment, which hindered the appointment of experts and the ability to secure the services of an additional tug that was on passage nearby.

What lessons were learned?

Vessels should be adequately resourced to operate safely and in accordance with international conventions, taking into account the potential consequences of vessels having insufficient fuel and oils, and the statutory requirement to maintain P&I insurance.

Members may wish to refer to:

Safety Event

Published: 12 November 2019
Download: IMCA SF 26/19

Relevant life-saving rules:
IMCA Safety Flashes
Submit a Report

IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of all. The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on Members sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Please consider adding safetyreports@imca-int.com to your internal distribution list for safety alerts or manually submitting information on incidents you consider may be relevant. All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate.

IMCA’s store terms and conditions (https://www.imca-int.com/legal-notices/terms/) apply to all downloads from IMCA’s website, including this document.

IMCA makes every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data contained in the documents it publishes, but IMCA shall not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained. The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual’s or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.