Two Russian oil tankers carrying thousands of tonnes of fuel oil have sunk near the Kerch Strait after breaking apart, releasing large quantities of oil into the sea. The incident, involving the “Volgoneft-212” and “Volgoneft-239” vessels, occurred early on the morning of 15 December, leading to significant environmental concerns and ongoing rescue operations.
Details of the Incident
According to Russian media sources, the first tanker, “Volgoneft-212,” experienced structural failure after being struck by a powerful wave. The vessel split in two, causing approximately 4,300 tonnes of fuel oil to spill into the sea. The rupture created a massive oil slick in the waters near the Kerch Strait, an area already vulnerable due to its strategic location and heavy maritime traffic.
Shortly after this incident, the second vessel, “Volgoneft-239,” also broke apart under similar circumstances. The extent of the oil spill from this tanker is still being assessed, but it is believed to have further exacerbated the environmental damage.
Rescue Efforts
Both tankers had crew members on board at the time of the accidents. “Volgoneft-212” had a crew of 13, who faced immediate danger as the ship broke apart and oil began leaking into the water. Rescue operations are underway, with Russian emergency services deploying a Mi-8 helicopter and the tugboat “Merkuriy” from Kerch to assist.
Initial reports indicate that several sailors have been rescued, though the operation remains ongoing due to challenging weather conditions and the severity of the situation.
Environmental Impact
The spill has resulted in the formation of a large black oil slick in the sea, threatening marine life and coastal ecosystems. Fuel oil is a highly viscous substance that poses significant challenges to clean-up operations. The potential for long-term environmental harm is high, particularly given the volume of oil involved and the strategic importance of the Kerch Strait as a maritime corridor.
Local authorities and environmental organisations are monitoring the situation closely. However, clean-up efforts are likely to be hindered by adverse weather conditions, which contributed to the accidents in the first place.
Cause of the Incident
The exact cause of the tankers breaking apart has yet to be confirmed. Preliminary investigations suggest that strong waves and structural weaknesses in the vessels may have played a role. Both tankers are part of the “Volgoneft” class of oil carriers, designed during the Soviet era. Questions are now being raised about the ageing fleet’s ability to withstand the rigours of modern maritime operations.
Wider Implications
This incident has highlighted concerns about maritime safety standards in the region, particularly given the increasing traffic through the Kerch Strait. The waterway, which connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Azov, is a critical route for shipping but is also prone to extreme weather conditions, especially during the winter months.
Environmental groups have expressed alarm over the potential consequences of the spill, calling for immediate action to mitigate the damage and prevent similar incidents in the future. The Russian government has yet to issue an official statement on the matter, but local authorities are reportedly coordinating rescue and containment efforts.
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