Official investigation reports or announcements from Russian authorities

New 2,800 Square Meter Oil Spill From Volgoneft-239 Affects Crimea and Azov Sea Coasts

Jan 11, 2025, 01:15 PM

A new oil spill has been detected in the Black Sea, originating from the stern of the Russian tanker Volgoneft-239, which ran aground in the Kerch Strait. The spill, measuring approximately 2,800 square meters, has been reported to have spread to the coastlines of Crimea and the Azov Sea, affecting regions such as Yalta, Kerch, and the Berdiansk Spit. The Russian Ministry of Transport has stated that the spill is being contained using booms and will be removed with bio-sorbents. Cleanup efforts have involved thousands of emergency workers and volunteers, who have already removed 157,000 tons of contaminated sand and soil from the affected areas. The spill has been described by President Vladimir Putin as one of the most serious environmental challenges faced in recent years, with 13 pollution hotspots identified along the Crimean coast. Approximately 5,000 tons of fuel oil remain on the seabed, and over 200 birds have been rescued in Sochi. The incident has also led to the death of marine life, including dolphins and birds, and has prompted the deployment of 19 ships and aircraft for monitoring and cleanup operations, with 178 monitoring groups now in place.