The final phase of international Barents Rescue 2009 was held in Murmansk on September 10. The exercises were performed in the waters of Kola bay.
According to rescue exercise scenario, the shuttle tanker collides with Belokamenka oil tanker what leads to oil spill, the ship is set on fire and a few crew members are overboard in cold water. The rescue services of Norway, Russia and Sweden work together to deal with an emergency situation.
The foreign colleagues particularly highlighted the number of resources and equipment used by the Russian side.
–The oil spill is one of the major pollution sources in the Barents Region. The harsh climate hinders the work of the rescuers. It is nice to see that you are well prepared in the Kola bay. The exercises can be given a high appraisal, - says Gunnar Kjønnøy, the Governor of Finnmark county.
As earlier reported by BarentsObserver, the Russian amphibious aircraft Beriev Be-200 ЧС was used in the Barents Rescue 2009. The airplane was used for firefighting on Belokamenka oil tanker. In just few seconds Be-200ЧС can take up to 12 tons of water. The evaluators and guest present say this was one of the most impressive moments during Barents rescue exercises.
–The firefighting was astonishing. The huge water masses falling down from air and hitting the target precisely.
The results of Barents Rescue 2009 will be evaluated at a separate conference in November.
