Two Russian Tankers Sink Near Crimea, One Dead, Massive Oil Spill Threatens Black Sea

Dec 15, 2024, 04:40 PM

Two Russian oil tankers, "Volgoneft 212" and "Volgoneft 239", each carrying approximately 4,300 tons of fuel oil, were severely damaged during a storm on December 15, 2024, in the Kerch Strait near Crimea. Massive waves breached the ships, causing them to split apart and sink just kilometers from the shore. "Volgoneft 212" had 13 crew members on board, while "Volgoneft 239" carried 14. Rescue operations were launched, and emergency services were deployed to save the crews. One sailor has been confirmed dead. Environmental groups have warned that the incident could lead to one of the largest man-made environmental disasters in the Black Sea if up to 8,600 tons of fuel oil spill into the sea.