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.