Russian floating cranes in Ukrainian harbours all scuttled as reported in 1942

In his report dated Buchartes, Romania 9 October 1942 wrote the German authority for the conquered Ukrainian harbours K. Friedrich Albrecht tot he Reichskommisar für die Seeschiffahrt at Berlin that Russia in her larger harbour usually possessed good floating cranes which were all at the same scuttled. In the meantime was the 150 tons crane at Nikoljav repaired and available for service just like a 40 tons crane. In the past week was also 1-25 tons crane with own propulsion salvaged. At Cherson was 1-40 tons crane in service and a second one at Odessa salvaged but still not repaired. A larger floating crane there was still scuttled and to be salvaged. In Sevastopol was the salvage of 1-150 tons crane on short notice to be completed. In Feodosia was 1-50 tons crane lying in the water but efforts were done to make her floating while she was really needed for salvage purposes.  

Note

1. Between 22 June 1941 and 10 November 1944 was the Soviet republic Ukraine more or less controlled by the German Reichskomissariat after she was conquered by Germany. The Soviets destroyed harbour facilities, scuttled ships and so on when the Germans invaded Ukraine.  

Source

High Command of the Kriegsmarine (OKM).Case 216 Website