On July 18 (Moscow time), according to TASS, the captain of the nuclear-powered icebreaker Yamal, Ms. Marina Starovoytova, said that Russian icebreakers sometimes have to change direction or temporarily stop their journey when polar bears suddenly appear on the route in the Arctic.
Ms. Starovoytova said that encountering polar bears is not a rare situation in the process of escorting ships through ice-covered sea areas.
If we encounter polar bears suddenly appearing right in front of the bow of the ship, we will steer the ship around or stop the icebreaker and all escorted ships to give way to them," she said.
According to her, in such situations, the crew always prioritizes ensuring the safety of wildlife instead of continuing the journey. If the bears are crossing the ice or swimming across the route, the ships will patiently wait until they leave the area.
If they are swimming, we will wait until they swim through and the road ahead is clear," she said.
Not only polar bears, icebreaker sailors also pay special attention to many other animals living in the area.
According to Ms. Starovoytova, every time sea animal or seabird breeding grounds are detected, the ship proactively changes its route to avoid affecting the natural living environment.
For icebreaker sailors, the Arctic is not only a workplace but also an environment they have been attached to for many years. Therefore, protecting the natural ecosystem is considered part of the operating process of sea voyages.
The Yamal is one of Russia's famous nuclear-powered icebreakers, regularly performing the task of opening maritime channels and escorting commercial trains through glacial routes in the Arctic Ocean.
Ms. Marina Starovoytova has worked in the maritime industry since 2005 and previously held the position of Deputy Captain on the Yamal ship before being appointed captain in August 2025. Currently, she is in charge of commanding escort ships through the most hostile natural sea areas in the world.
