Difficult ice conditions in the mouth of Volga-Caspian canal resulted in accumulation of 30 vessels waiting for ice channeling, Interfax reports according to Gudok.Ru. According to the ice channeling headquarters of Astrakhan Seaport, strong eastern wind caused formation of ice ridges. The section between the 150th and 175th kilometer of the canal is impossible to pass because the ice is 25-30 centimeters thick here. The headquarters’ representative said 20 vessels are waiting to enter the canal while 10 are waiting to leave it.
According to the source, the headquarters decided to deploy icebreakers Captain Bukayev and Captain Chechkin for ice channeling in order to tug the vessels into the safe part of the canal in order to lead them with ice escort. Radio communication is being permanently supported with the crews which are reported to have enough fuel and food. The weather forecast says the wind is to change soon. It will bring the ice to the sea thus making the way clear.