Russian Nuclear Icebreaker Sustains Damage In Arctic Collision with Cargo Ship

Russian nuclear icebreaker 50 Let Pobedy (50 Years of Victory) suffered significant damage to its hull in a collision with a cargo ship while operating on the Northern Sea Route. Photos of the incident show a deep gash on the vessel’s port side near its bow. 

The incident occurred on the night of January 26 in the Kara Sea while maintaining winter shipping lanes and escorting a cargo vessel. Based on AIS data 50 Let Pobedy likely collided with the 20,144 dwt dry bulk cargo ship Yamal Krechet en route to the Ob Bay. The condition of Yamal Krechet is unknown. Nuclear icebreakers also routinely escort LNG carriers and oil tankers along the waters of Ob Bay during winter.

According to Russia’s operator of nuclear icebreakers, Atomflot, 50 Let Pobedy remain…