Two Russian oil tankers damaged in storm causing oil spill in Kerch Strait

Reports from Russian officials have revealed that two Russian oil tankers faced significant damage after a severe storm hit the Kerch Strait. This incident resulted in an oil spill and prompted the initiation of an urgent rescue mission, according to state news sources.

According to reports, at least one of the vessels later sank.

The first vessel, named Volgoneft-212, was transporting a crew of 13 individuals along with a load of fuel oil. It encountered grounding and suffered severe damage to its bow, as reported by the Tass news agency, referencing information from the country’s Emergency Situations Ministry. Tragically, one crew member lost their life in the accident. However, the rest of the crew were successfully rescued as part of the ongoing emergency operation.

The second tanker, identified as the Volgoneft-239, also sustained damage during the storm and was left adrift with 14 crew members aboard. Subsequently, it too ran aground approximately 80 meters away from the shoreline near the port of Taman in the Krasnodar region of Russia. The Emergency Situations Ministry disclosed that plans are underway to execute a rescue operation for the crew on board the second vessel.

Together, the two ships were carrying almost 9,000 tons of mazut, a heavy, low-grade fuel oil, Tass reported. Social media footage from the scene showed a black slick of liquid among the waves.

Russian officials confirmed the oil spill, but said that experts were still working to assess its full impact and extent.

The Kerch Strait separates the Russian-occupied Crimean Peninsula from Russia and is an important global shipping route, providing passage from the Sea of Azov to the Black Sea.

It has also been a key point of conflict between Russia and Ukraine after Moscow annexed the peninsula from Ukraine in 2014. In 2016, Ukraine took Moscow to the Permanent Court of Arbitration, where it accused Russia of trying to illegally seize control of the area. In 2021, Russia closed the strait for several months.