Two Russian oil tankers sink in the Black Sea during a fierce storm, causing an oil spill and prompting a criminal investigation.
At a Glance
- Russian oil tankers Volgoneft-212 and Volgoneft-239 sank in the Black Sea during a severe storm
- At least one crew member confirmed dead, with others rescued and hospitalized
- Significant oil spill reported, prompting environmental concerns and clean-up efforts
- Russian authorities have opened criminal cases to investigate possible safety violations
- President Putin ordered a working group to manage rescue operations and mitigate the spill’s impact
Disaster Strikes in the Black Sea
In a catastrophic turn of events, two Russian oil tankers, Volgoneft-212 and Volgoneft-239, succumbed to the fury of a severe storm in the Black Sea near the Crimean Peninsula. The incident has resulted in a significant oil spill and the tragic loss of at least one life, raising serious concerns about maritime safety and environmental impact in the region.
The Volgoneft-212, built in 1969 and carrying approximately 4,300 tonnes of fuel oil, split in half and sank. Dramatic footage captured the stern of the vessel broken off and floating vertically in the turbulent waters. Its sister ship, Volgoneft-239, constructed in 1973, was left drifting with substantial damage. Both tankers had a loading capacity of about 4,200 tonnes of oil products.
Greenpeace environmentalists are sounding the alarm: the accident involving Russian tankers in the Black Sea could lead to one of the largest man-made disasters.
Each of the sunken Russian tankers may have been carrying up to 5,000 tons of oil products.
«A spill of this volume… pic.twitter.com/nPDOG1ITTt
— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) December 15, 2024
Rescue Operations and Environmental Concerns
Russian emergency services swiftly mobilized a comprehensive rescue operation, deploying over 50 personnel, helicopters, and tugboats to the disaster site. Of the 15 crew members aboard Volgoneft-212, 13 were evacuated, but tragically, one did not survive. The Volgoneft-239, with its crew of 14, also faced perilous conditions.
The environmental impact of the oil spill is a pressing concern. Specialists have been dispatched to assess the damage and initiate clean-up efforts. The incident occurred in the strategic Kerch Strait, a key route for Russian grain and oil exports, adding to the complexity of the situation.
Government Response and Investigation
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Russian President Vladimir Putin has taken decisive action. He ordered the formation of a working group to oversee rescue operations and mitigate the environmental impact of the spill. This high-level intervention underscores the seriousness of the incident and its potential consequences.
As rescue efforts continue and the full extent of the environmental damage becomes clear, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with maritime oil transport and the need for stringent safety measures, especially in challenging weather conditions. The coming days will be crucial in determining the long-term impact of this disaster on the Black Sea region and its ecosystem.
Sources:
Russian tanker splits in half and sinks during heavy storm as oil spills into the Black Sea
Oil spill near Black Sea after two Russian tankers seriously damaged in storm
Two Russian oil tankers wrecked in Black Sea
