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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Everett Residents Offer Help To Stranded Russian Ship

Associated Press

The Boeing Co. and local residents are coming to the aid of a Russian ship and crew members who are stranded at the city’s port because of a failed business deal.

The cargo ship Dmitry Laptev has been anchored here since Oct. 17 and was supposed to pick up a cargo of meat, cheese, fruits and vegetables for delivery to the Russian Arctic.

But a Russian partner ran out of money during the voyage, leaving the ship unable to pay for the cargo and for fuel to make a return trip.

Crew members haven’t been paid their wages, and Everett residents are providing food, water, toiletries and other items. Because the ship doesn’t have a visa, its 22 crew members can’t go ashore without special permission.

In addition, the vessel’s engine water pump needs repairs and the nearest source of parts is in Germany.

A second Russian ship involved in the failed deal is in similar straits and has been anchored in Port Angeles since Dec. 9. A visa for the Fidor Matisen, with a crew of 20, was late in arriving from Russia, and the crew is now being allowed off the ship five at a time.

The Matisen’s crew is relying on donations from Port Angeles residents for many necessities.

The crew of the Laptev hopes Boeing will come through on its plan to donate 50,000 gallons of surplus fuel that would help the ship return to Russia.

Boeing’s offer would be withdrawn if a buyer for the fuel is found, spokesman Dean Tougas said. Boeing hasn’t been approached about giving fuel to the other ship, the Matisen.

Lee Maxey, an Everett man who is trying to set up business ties in the Russian Arctic, said he arranged with a Russian merchant for the ships to sail to Everett to pick up food.

The ships were supposed to return to Provideniya in Russia’s Chukotka region near the Bering Strait.

But after the Laptev was under way, the merchant’s financing “evaporated,” said Maxey, head of Sonrise Industries.