Iranian Cargo Vessel Runs Aground After Mysterious Hull Breach in Caspian Sea

An Iranian cargo vessel operating in the Caspian Sea suffered hull damage of unknown origin and ran aground while en route to a Russian port, according to reports from Russian media MNS on January 29.

The vessel, identified as Caspian Shiva, was heading toward the port of Makhachkala when it developed a breach and began taking on water.

The ship subsequently grounded in shallow waters as flooding spread to the engine room and cargo hold.

Sources said no crew members were injured in the incident. Ten sailors remain on board, while two tugboats have been dispatched to assist the stricken vessel. Several Russian tugboats have also reportedly been placed on standby as a precaution.

According to MNS, the exact cause of the hull breach has not been established. Rescue efforts are being complicated by rough sea conditions, with wave heights reaching up to two meters, limiting the ability to conduct immediate salvage operations.

The Caspian Shiva is 116 meters long and 13 meters wide, with a deadweight tonnage of approximately 3,344 tons. The vessel is registered to the Iranian freight shipping company PARS OBOUR PARS TRANS SHPG.

No official statements have yet been issued by Iranian or Russian authorities regarding the incident.

Earlier, the Ukrainian Defense Intelligence Agency (HUR) publicly identified 66 vessels operated by Russia, Iran, and Venezuela that are allegedly involved in the transport of sanctioned oil and the theft of Ukrainian grain.

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