Kathrine Frich
The accident at one of Russia’s most strategic military ports is being described as another embarrassment for the Kremlin.
A massive floating crane has sunk at the Russian naval base of Sevastopol in occupied Crimea, killing two workers and injuring more than twenty.
Disaster at sea
Footage posted on social media shows the moment the 115-foot-tall floating crane tipped and disappeared beneath the water during testing at Sevastopol’s shipyard.
Governor Mikhail Razvozhayev, appointed by Moscow, confirmed that two men, an electromechanic and a sailor, were killed. Seven others were hospitalised with serious injuries.
A criminal investigation has been opened, although the cause of the disaster has not been made public.
Local reports said the crane, built for lifting nuclear submarine components and repairing large vessels, had never been put into operation.
Suspected safety breach
According to investigators, a “violation of safety regulations governing maritime transport” is being considered.
The crane, weighing nearly 3,000 tonnes and capable of lifting 400 tonnes, is believed to have capsized while handling about half its maximum load.
Officials said a major design flaw could have contributed to the collapse, though sabotage has not been ruled out. The structure, known as PK-400 “Sevastopol,” took eight years to construct and cost millions.
Delays and financial troubles
The crane project had faced repeated delays and funding shortages.
The Sevastopol Marine Plant, tasked with construction, was reportedly unable to complete it on its own.
In 2023, the unfinished hull was meant to be dismantled and sent to Sevmash in Severodvinsk for completion, as the work was only 65 percent finished.
Local media outlet Forpost reported that delivery had originally been scheduled for the end of 2020, but financial problems halted progress.
Sources: Express, Forpost, Reuters, BBC, Moscow Times, RIA Novosti
This article is made and published by Kathrine Frich, who may have used AI in the preparation
