POSEIDON UNLEASHS THE KRAKEN
Black Sea Storm Disrupts Russian Navy's Operations
ONCE IN A 100 YEARS STORM
The winter storm that caused multiple casualties in the Black Sea last weekend has also forced the Russian Navy to withdraw its surface combatants back into port, according to the Ukrainian armed forces.
The Institute for the Study of War reports that some of the region's abundant moored sea mines may have gone adrift in heavy weather, adding to the existing risk of encountering drifting explosive devices in the Black Sea. Multiple drifting mines have been reported in the western Black Sea since the beginning of the Russian invasion, and at least one floated ashore as far east as Batumi, Georgia. Several ships have been damaged by mine strikes, including the ill-fated freighter Kafkametler, which went down in severe weather off Turkey earlier this month.
The storm was the most powerful on record in Crimea, and it has reportedly damaged Russian coastal defenses in the Sevastopol region, according to Ukrainian officials. Rail lines used to support Russian forces have also been washed out in several locations.
According to naval analyst H.I. Sutton, satellite imagery appears to show that all of the diver-detection dolphin pens in the harbor at Sevastopol appear to have been washed away. Ukraine's navy has attacked the harbor multiple times using unmanned drone boats, and imagery appears to show that the storm took a heavy toll on the boom fencing system that the Russian Navy installed to keep out small craft.
On shore, 18 people were killed as a consequence of the high winds and extreme blizzard conditions in Ukraine and Russia. About 150,000 households were left without power around Ukraine in freezing-cold conditions, and Russia's energy ministry said that 1.9 million people were without power in Russian and Russian-controlled territories around the Black Sea's periphery.
The severe winter weather has had serious effects on merchant shipping. At least three vessels have been lost in the Black Sea and Aegean over the past 10 days; the Caspian Pipeline Consortium has suspended loading; and multiple groundings have been reported in Italy, Turkey and Russia. Ports in both Ukraine and Crimea have suspended grain exports due to heavy weather, and Russian officials have ordered the closure of the strategic Kerch Strait, which connects the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.
Storms Close Bosporus and Drive Tanker Ashore in Istanbul
The powerful storms that have been impacting the Black Sea region spread to the south hitting Istanbul and the surrounding areas. Shipping in the region was impacted with the governor’s office ordering a suspension. A small tanker anchored offshore was also driven on to the rocks with the fire department, Coast Guard, and coastal security agency working to rescue the crew.
The storm brought with it strong southwest winds and torrential downpours of rain. Flooding was reported across the region with extensive damage to coastal areas and small boats.
The Governor of Istanbul ordered all ferry service suspended on Tuesday, November 28, and it remained suspended on Wednesday morning. Commuters that normally travel around the city and between Europe and Asia on ferries were forced to seek ground transportation to get to work. Traffic on the Bosphorus was also suspended and due to resume as of 16:00 on Wednesday.
During the height of the storm overnight on Tuesday, the captain of the tanker Kadriye Ana was heard on the radio pleading for assistance. The 2,400 dwt tanker had been riding anchor off Istanbul for the past few days. It began dragging its anchor during the storm with the captain pleading that they were going to be driven onto the shoreline.
“We are falling apart,” the media reports was the captain’s last transmission. The vessel, which was loaded with 600 tons of diesel fuel, suffered hull damage with reports saying it was taking water in its engine room. Two government tugs and a rescue vessel were sent to assist along with the local fire department.
The 11 crewmembers were evacuated on the shoreside of the vessel using a breeches buoy. The tugs reportedly worked to hold the vessel in place during the storm.
Today with high tide and improving weather conditions, the tugs were able to refloat the tanker. Pictures showed the vessel listing to starboard but afloat. Reports were that it was being towed to the shipyard in Tuzla for repairs.
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