A new Arctic Rescue Centre under Russia's Emergencies Ministry will open in Murmansk in the middle of August. It will be equipped with ships and aviation for rescue operations, the Arctic-Info news agency reports.

According to the deputy head of the Emergencies Ministry Murmansk branch, Alexander Frolov, the centre will open on August 14. It will consist of an administrative and accommodation building, berthing for cutters and boats, a garage, a gym and a workout area. 

The centre will employ about 100 people.

"Possibly, it will also have a helicopter on standby — that issue is currently being discussed. This helicopter wouldn't belong to the Murmansk branch of the Emergencies Ministry, but would be a permanent duty chopper from the Emergency Aviation Rescue Centre in St. Petersburg," Mr. Frolov said.