On the afternoon of October 28 local time, the floating crane “Gregory Prosyankin” which was undergoing lifting tests at the Sevastopol Shipyard in Russia capsized and overturned, causing at least 15 people to fall into the water, seven of whom were taken to the hospital.
Sevastopol Governor Mikhail Razvozhaev stated that the accident has resulted in two deaths and 20 injuries. The two deceased were an electromechanical engineer and a crew member.
Following the incident, Russian authorities announced the launch of a criminal investigation to determine whether any misconduct was involved. Mikhail Razvozhaev also stated that relevant departments would investigate this “abnormal event”.
The report states that the construction plan for the “Gregory Prosyankin” was announced in 2018. It has a maximum lifting capacity of 700 tons and a displacement of 6,200 tons. It was originally scheduled to be completed in 2020 and was designed to support the construction and maintenance of nuclear submarines and surface ships.
However, due to long-term delays and funding issues, reports indicate that the construction of the floating crane is only about 65% complete, five years after the original completion date.
Other reports indicate that the Gregory Prosyankin was halted in 2023, when there were considerations to dismantle it and transfer it from the Sevastopol shipyard to other shipyards for completion.
According to available information, the Sevastopol shipyard was founded in 1783 and primarily provides repair and conversion services for Russian naval ships. It can also utilize its dock facilities to repair and convert merchant ships.
The shipyard has two production bases with a total of four wharves, three dry docks, and one slipway for assembling floating crane hulls and ships. It is equipped with dedicated workshops, production areas, large warehouses, outfitting wharves, and other facilities.