Two Russian tankers damaged in storm and crew member dead and leaking oil in Kerch Strait
Two Russian tankers damaged in storm and crew member dead and leaking oil in Kerch Strait
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At least one person has died after two Russian oil tankers became badly damaged during a storm. Damage to two Russian oil tankers during a storm in the Kerch Strait has caused an oil spill, sparking an emergency rescue operation with at least one person confirmed dead, Russian officials have told state news outlets.
The Volgoneft-212 tanker is believed to have been carrying 13 crew members and a cargo of fuel oil, but ran aground and had its bow torn away. The second tanker, the Volgoneft-239 was also damaged, with 14 crew members on board and ran aground 80 metres from the shore, close to the port of Taman in Russia's Krasnodar region.
Some reports have said at least one of the vessels later sank, and officials have confirmed the death of one crew member, but that rescue operations were able to evacuate the remaining sailors. Together, the two ships were carrying almost 9,000 tons of mazut — a heavy, low-grade fuel oil. Social media footage from the scene showed a black slick of liquid among the waves.
Russian officials confirmed the oil spill, but stated that experts were still working to assess the extent of the spill and its impact. Earlier reports shared that a tugboat arrived at the site of the sinking and rescuers were reportedly attempting to lift crewmen aboard. A helicopter from the Russian Emergencies Ministry also flew to help the crew in the Kerch Straight this morning.
