Discover the Pavel-Grabovskiy: Ratings & Maritime News

As of February 24, the cargo vessel ‘Pavel Grabovsky,’ which encountered difficulties and began to sink in the Sea of Azov following a hole in its hull on February 16, remains anchored in the vicinity of the incident. Salvage tugs have been dispatched to the site, and repair efforts are currently underway to address the vessel’s issues. Despite these efforts, entry into port has not been granted. Reports indicate a malfunction in the ship's diesel engine, although officials have assured there is no emergency situation at hand. If the necessary repairs prove successful, the ‘Pavel Grabovsky’ may be towed to Novorossiysk for comprehensive restoration work.

On February 16, 2025, the aging cargo vessel 'Pavel Grabovskiy', with a crew predominantly from Azerbaijan, encountered a severe predicament in the Sea of Azov while journeying from Rostov-on-Don to Samsun. The ship was transporting 2,939 tons of corn when it suffered hull breaches caused by collisions with ice masses. The incidents occurred as the vessel approached the port of Azov, where it sustained significant damage. Responding swiftly to the situation, the icebreakers 'Kapitan Demidov' (IMO: 8027286) and 'Kapitan Chudinov' (IMO: 8027248) were dispatched to assist. Interestingly, the crew of the freighter did not activate an emergency distress signal but requested clearance to enter the port of Azov instead. Unfortunately, the ship's approach was hindered by low water levels, which have prevented it from nearing the coastline. Now, with the ship immobilized in icy waters, the crew is left to wait for an opportunity while they endeavor to pump out water using hoses. Footage and updates can be found in the report here: https://demokrat.az/az/news/224611/azov-denizdinde-azerbaycanlilarin-oldugu-gemi-batir-video.

In a recent statement, Russian news agency TASS has firmly rebutted claims circulating in the media regarding the distress situation of the cargo vessel 'Pavel Grabovskiy'. The report confirmed that the vessel successfully reached Azov and underwent necessary repairs. Acknowledging that the ship had indeed run aground, TASS attributed the incident to inclement weather as the vessel was set to depart Azov en route to Turkey. According to the Ministry of Transport, the ship will be extricated from the roadstead once sea conditions improve and water levels rise, with further repairs planned by the owner. The 'Pavel Grabovskiy' has been operated by a Turkish shipping company since 2013 and has previously encountered similar challenges, having been salvaged after running aground in Azov that same year, while registered under Sierra Leone. At the time of the current incident, the ship was carrying a cargo of wheat with a crew of 14 on board. In an inspection conducted in January 2025 in Georgia, the vessel was found to have eight deficiencies, although no detention order was issued. These deficiencies included issues related to lifesaving equipment, piping systems, electrical components, the safety of pilot ladders, and documentation compliance.