Sevastopol — A floating crane capsized in Yuzhnaya Bay, Sevastopol, on 28 October 2025, killing two people and injuring 20 others, according to Russian authorities. Officials confirmed that a criminal investigation has been opened to determine whether negligence played a role in the incident.

The Russian-installed governor of Sevastopol, Mikhail Razvozhaev, stated that the crane tipped over during operations. He said that among the injured, seven people were hospitalized, while others received medical attention at the scene.

According to reports, the crane was conducting a lifting test when it overturned. About 15 individuals fell into the water during the incident, rescue teams said. The fatalities were identified as an electro-mechanic and a sailor, according to The Moscow Times.

Crane Details and Project Background

The vessel, named Gregory Prosyankin, was intended to support construction and maintenance work for nuclear submarines and surface ships, The Moscow Times reported.

The project has faced repeated delays and financial difficulties since its 2018 announcement. Designed with a 700-ton lifting capacity and a 6,200-ton displacement, the crane was initially expected to be completed by 2020.

By the time of the accident, the crane was reportedly around 65% complete. Work on the vessel had been halted in 2023, and plans were being considered to dismantle and relocate the structure from the Sevastopol Marine Plant to another shipyard for completion. It remains unclear when construction activity resumed.

Razvozhaev said the Main Investigative Department will lead the inquiry into what he described as an “abnormal situation.”

Emergency response teams and divers were deployed to secure the site and assess the crane’s structural stability following the capsize.

No additional details have yet been provided regarding the cause of the accident or the condition of the damaged structure.