Official reports from the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations or international environmental agencies

Two Russian Tankers Break in Half Amid Storm Near Kerch Strait, Fuel Spill Feared

Dec 15, 2024, 10:03 AM

Two Russian tankers, Volgoneft-212 and Volgoneft-239, have broken in half near the Kerch Strait due to severe storms and are sinking rapidly. The vessels, each carrying approximately 4,300 tons of mazut, a low-grade fuel oil, are located eight kilometers from shore. A total of 27 crew members—13 on Volgoneft-212 and 14 on Volgoneft-239—are stranded on board. Rescue efforts, including the deployment of a helicopter by the Ministry of Emergency Situations, are underway as the storm intensifies. There are reports of a possible oil spill in the area.