Sakhalin: A Chinese cargo ship ran aground in the Sakhalin region of Russia's Far East, local authorities reported early Sunday. Sakhalin Governor Valery Limarenko announced on Telegram that the An Yang 2 cargo ship encountered difficulties overnight while navigating the shallow waters of the island's southwestern Nevelsky district, which is located just north of Japan's Hokkaido island.

According to Anadolu Agency, no fuel spill has been detected in the vicinity, as confirmed by Limarenko. He assured that there is no risk to the life and health of the crew, emphasizing that communication with them is ongoing. A high alert regime has been declared in Nevelsky due to the incident, although rescue and diving teams are currently unable to approach the stranded vessel because of adverse weather conditions.

Limarenko mentioned that decisions regarding either unloading the ship or extracting it from the shallows will be made once the weather improves. Russia's Federal Agency for Sea and Inland Water Transport informed state news agency TASS that the ship is not carrying fuel oil, but is loaded with 1,000 tons of coal. TASS further reported that the crew consists of 20 Chinese nationals, based on a statement from the regional government's press service.