Two Russian Tankers Sink Near Kerch Strait, Spilling 4,300 Tons of Fuel Oil

Dec 15, 2024, 01:01 PM

Two Russian oil tankers, the 'Volgoneft-212' and 'Volgoneft-239', broke in half near the Kerch Strait and the Kerch Bridge in the Black Sea due to severe storm conditions on December 15, 2024. Both vessels were transporting approximately 4,300 tons of low-grade fuel oil, known as mazut, and had 13 and 14 crew members on board, respectively. The crews have been stranded on deck for hours as rescue operations are underway. One sailor has been confirmed dead. The waves broke the ships apart, causing oil spills into the Black Sea and prompting Greenpeace to warn of a potential major environmental disaster. Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered the creation of a working group to manage the rescue efforts and address the aftermath of the incidents.