The Gomel Transport Prosecutor's Office, upon the fact of the uncontrolled navigation of a tugboat, conducted an investigation, established the causes and conditions of the incident, and the guilty parties were held accountable, reported the information service of the Gomel Oblast Prosecutor's Office.

In particular, a tugboat was moving downstream along the Sozh River without a crew. Several years ago, this vessel had been taken out of service and was not fit for navigation. A storm wind tore the mooring line, resulting in the uncontrolled drifting of a barge along the city embankment, which posed a threat to the safety of other vessels and structures, as well as to the life and health of resting citizens.

For reference. According to parts 2 and 4 of Article 122 of the Code of Internal Water Transport of the Republic of Belarus, for failure to ensure navigation safety of inland waterway vessels and mixed (river‑sea) navigation vessels, the shipowner bears liability in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Belarus. An inland waterway vessel and a mixed (river‑sea) navigation vessel are considered fit for navigation if they are manned by a crew and meet the requirements for navigation safety, as well as environmental, sanitary, fire‑safety and other requirements of the legislation of the Republic of Belarus.

In order to prevent harmful consequences, the vessel was promptly stopped and towed back to the berth of the Gomel coastal production unit of the shipowner.

The Gomel Transport Prosecutor has sent a directive to the State Administration of Water Transport to hold the shipowner of the inland waterways enterprise administratively liable for violating water traffic safety rules under Article 18.6 of the Code of Administrative Offenses.

To establish the causes and conditions of the incident, the prosecutor's office conducted supervisory measures regarding the shipowner's compliance with legislation on the safety and operation of inland water transport.

The inspection revealed that the uncontrolled navigation of the tugboat occurred due to the

As a result, the Gomel Transport Prosecutor submitted a representation to the shipowner; following its review, three guilty individuals were held disciplinarily liable.

The operation of the convoy service at the enterprise is organized in accordance with legislative requirements, and responsible persons have been appointed.

Gomel Transport Prosecutor's Office