MOSCOW — A severe storm in the Kerch Strait has resulted in significant damage to two Russian oil tankers, leading to an oil spill and the initiation of an emergency rescue mission, as reported by Russian officials on Sunday.
Reports indicate that at least one of the ships may have sunk following the incident.
The first vessel, the Volgoneft-212, carrying a crew of 13 members and a load of fuel oil, ran aground and suffered substantial damage with its bow being torn off, according to the Tass news agency citing the Emergency Situations Ministry. Tragically, one crew member lost their life during the incident, while the rest were successfully rescued during the operation.
The second tanker, Volgoneft-239, also sustained damage and had 14 crew members on board. It later drifted aground, coming to rest approximately 80 meters from the shore near the port of Taman in the Krasnodar region of Russia, where plans for a rescue operation are underway, as stated by the Emergency Situations Ministry.
Combined, the two tankers were transporting nearly 9,000 tons of mazut, which is a heavy and low-quality type of fuel oil. Footage shared on social media displayed a dark slick of liquid visible on the water’s surface, indicating the severity of the spill.
Russian authorities have acknowledged the occurrence of the oil spill but noted that specialists are still in the process of evaluating its full impact and extent.
The Kerch Strait plays a crucial role in global maritime trade, separating the Russian-occupied Crimean Peninsula from mainland Russia and serving as a vital passageway linking the Sea of Azov with the Black Sea. The area has also been a focal point of tension between Russia and Ukraine, especially since the annexation of Crimea in 2014. In 2016, Ukraine brought the issue to the Permanent Court of Arbitration, accusing Russia of attempting to unlawfully exert control over the region. Furthermore, in 2021, Russia temporarily closed the strait for several months.