Trawler sinks in the Sea of Okhotsk, at least 54 dead

Russia’s large autonomous freezer trawler Dalny Vostok has sunk in the Sea of Okhotsk, RF Emergencies Ministry says.

Crews of more than 10 fishing boats in the area participate in the rescue operation.

According to the coordinator of the Marine Rescue Sub-center, 63 persons have been rescued and 54 bodies have been lifted from the water as of 06.00 (Moscow time) of April 2, 2015. 26 fishing boats operate in the search and rescue area.

An MI-8 rescue helicopter with four rescuers and one medic on board has left the airport of Elizarovo to help the survivors and deliver them to the medical institutions of Magadan.

All in all, over 1,300 people and 29 units of equipment have been deployed including 103 persons and 2 units of equipment of the Emergencies Ministry.