A Russian nuclear-powered icebreaker sustained major damage after colliding with a cargo vessel in the Kara Sea on January 26, 2025, while conducting ice-breaking operations in harsh Arctic conditions.
The icebreaker "50 Let Pobedy" (50 Years of Victory) was attempting to free the cargo ship Yamal Krechet from ice near the port of Sabetta when the incident occurred. Video footage shows the nuclear vessel striking the cargo ship's port side, resulting in a large gash in the icebreaker's port bow above the waterline.
State atomic agency Atomflot confirmed that while the icebreaker sustained damage to its hull plating, the vessel remains seaworthy and continues operating along the Northern Sea Route. The agency emphasized that the nuclear reactor, located at the stern, was unaffected by the impact and there were no injuries reported.
The cargo vessel Yamal Krechet, a 20,144-deadweight tonnage bulk carrier, was en route from Arkhangelsk to Sabetta when it became trapped in ice. Details about potential damage to the cargo ship or its contents have not been disclosed.
The 50 Let Pobedy, commissioned in 2007, is one of six first-generation Arktika-class nuclear icebreakers designed in the late Soviet era. Before 2020, it held the title of world's largest nuclear icebreaker.
Rosatomflot has not provided information about what caused the navigation error leading to the collision. It remains unclear whether the icebreaker will complete its current mission or return to Murmansk for repairs.
This incident follows previous collisions in the region, including a 2017 accident between the nuclear icebreaker Vaygach and bulk carrier Nordic Barents, highlighting ongoing challenges in Arctic maritime operations.