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17 Russian sailors disappeared in the Barents Sea after a ship sank. In freezing temperatures, their chances of survival are slim. Two rescued crew members report a storm and a fatal wave.
A Russian fishing boat sank in the Barents Sea. 17 crew members missing. Due to the freezing and stormy winter weather, according to authorities, there is little hope of finding the people alive. Several boats were sent to the scene of the accident to search for the missing persons.
According to the Tass and Interfax news agencies, the crew of the “Onega” had cast their nets in the middle of a storm and despite temperatures as low as minus 30 degrees Celsius. When he wanted to bring the fish, the frozen ship sank.
Two crew members were rescued from another ship. “People were literally dragged from the deck into the sea,” the Interfax news agency quotes one of those rescued.
The two rescued sailors were wearing special rescue suits. According to information from Interfax, he should have suffered frostbite but was not seriously injured. It is said that the remaining seafarers did not have time to put on their rescue equipment.
The ship’s crew issued a distress signal.
The weather in the region about 300 kilometers from Murmansk is stormy. Therefore, according to the authorities, a rescue from the air is not possible. Temperatures are around minus 20 degrees Celsius.
According to the Russian Ministry of Civil Protection, the ship was frozen. This could have contributed to its capsizing and sinking. Ice on the deck makes the boat heavier and can pose a serious hazard. The authorities launched an investigation. They check if all safety regulations have been met.
The crew of the ship approved in 1979 gave an emergency signal, it was said from the official side. According to information from the “Barents Observer”, 16 of the 19 crew members lived in Murmansk. This is also the home port of the “Onega”, which has been at sea since December 14.
