Two Russian oil tankers, identified as the Volgoneft-212 and Volgoneft-239, have reportedly sunk in the Black Sea following severe weather conditions. Each vessel carried a crew of 15 and 14 members, respectively, leading to fears for their safety as Russian authorities acknowledge that the tankers are now leaking oil.
Videos surfaced on social media, seemingly depicting one of the tankers breaking apart and going down amidst tumultuous waters, with visible oil streaks contaminating the sea. This distressing incident occurred in the Kerch Strait, an area that lies between Russia and the rail-seized Crimea.
In response to the sinking, a rescue and environmental clean-up operation has been initiated, involving two tugboats, two helicopters, and over 50 personnel on the ground, as reported by TASS news agency. "Today, as a result of a storm in the Black Sea, two tankers have sunk,” stated Russia's federal sea and inland water transport authority, Rosmorrechflot. The agency confirmed the accident led to the spillage of oil products, raising environmental concerns in the affected waters.
Search and rescue efforts are ongoing, with authorities focused on locating the crew members and managing the environmental impact of the oil leak.
