Russian ship could be abandoned due to lack of oil
The baot had left to deliver magnesia to France in 2022. Following the war in Ukraine, it was stuck in the port of Saint-Malo. Since then, this Russian cargo ship has been banned from sailing. But its situation is becoming critical, due to a lack of oil.
In Saint-Malo, France, the Vladimir Latyshev has been blocked since March 2022, when it arrived to deliver magnesia. The boat is forbidden to leave the harbor. Nevertheless, Russian sailors take it in turns to maintain it. They also carry out maneuvers requested by the harbor master's office to maintain port activity. The boat needs oil for its movements around the harbour and to keep it moored (heating, fridge, fire-fighting system). Since 2024, however, the necessary funds haven't been forthcoming from the port agent. Russia has always paid, but the transfers have been blocked by French authorities as part of the sanctions imposed following the invasion of Ukraine.
Unblocking the money
The crew of the 140m long boat are still being supplied with food and other necessities thanks to payment advances. The debt already stands at €150,000. But the situation can no longer be allowed to continue. Especially as it will soon run out of fuel. Without diesel, there's no electricity. The crew could then be forced to abandon ship, for their own safety. The vessel would then become a ghost ship in Brittany. In order to avoid the situation, the local Mor Glaz association is lobbying France to allow the vessel to continue operating. The Vladimir Latyshev wouldn't be the only Russian vessel in this situation.
(MH with Olivier Duquesne - Source : 20 Minutes - Picture : © picture alliance/dpa/MAXPPP | Nicolas Carnec)