Watch: Russian Cargo Ship Lists Dangerously While Loading Cargo At Plastun Port

A Russian cargo ship, named Stepan Geits, tilted to its starboard side while loading timber cargo at Plastun Port in Russia on January 16, 2025. No injuries or casualties were reported.

The 4,800-deadweight-ton vessel, built in 1983 in Japan and operating under the Russian flag since 1996, was docked at Plastun Port near Vladivostok when the incident happened.

While a crane was loading timber onto the ship, it suddenly began tilting to the right side. About 1,000 cubic meters of timber rolled off the deck into the harbour.

The ship stabilised after losing most of its cargo, but some timber remained hanging off the side. Video footage shows crewmembers jumping onto the pier for safety as the ship listed dangerously.

Video Credits: ViralBear/YouTube

The Nakhodka Transport Office confirmed that the spilt timber was later retrieved from the water. However, the vessel suffered damage and underwent inspections at the port.

Divers were sent to check the hull for any breaches, and the remaining cargo was carefully removed using cranes.

The Transport Prosecutor’s Office is investigating the cause of the incident. Early reports reveal that the cargo may not have been properly loaded, leading to the sudden tilt.

Weather conditions and load imbalance are also being examined as possible factors that contributed to the incident.

Stepan Geits was cited for structural deficiencies during a Port State Inspection in Dalian, China, in November 2023. The issues included the condition of ballast, fuel, and other tanks.

Reference: Safety4Sea

Source: Maritime Shipping News