Russian Coast Guard Patrol Boat PSKA-287 Flips Into Water During Launch in Kamchatka

A small patrol vessel of Russia’s Border Guard Service capsized during a launch operation in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, according to Kamchatinfo.

The PSKA-287 boat, belonging to Project 1496, overturned on November 6 while being lowered into the water after repairs.

The incident occurred at the final stage of maintenance work on the shore. Several personnel reportedly ended up in the water, but Kamchatinfo noted that there were no injuries. The boat rolled onto its side near the launch site and was later righted the following day, on November 7.

Specialists inspected the hull and onboard equipment after the accident to assess potential damage. The PSKA-287 is part of Russia’s Coast Guard fleet under the Federal Security Service (FSB).

These Project 1496 vessels are typically used for short-range patrols and port operations, including escort and towing tasks in the waters around Kamchatka.

Modernized variants—such as Project 1496M and 1496M1—are equipped for additional duties, including firefighting, limited cargo transport, and maritime law enforcement in coastal and inland waters.

Depending on the configuration, their standard displacement ranges from approximately 95 to 127 tons, with lengths between 23 and 30 meters. These vessels can reach speeds of up to 22 knots and operate at a range of 1,000 to 2,000 nautical miles.

Earlier, on August 9, a newly built Russian Navy tug, Kapitan Ushakov (Project 23470), sank during final outfitting at the Baltic Shipyard in St. Petersburg. The vessel developed a list due to flooding in the auxiliary machinery compartment and eventually settled on the bottom near the pier.

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