Oil spill in Kerch Strait after two Russian oil tankers seriously damaged in storm

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.

Copyright © 2024 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

You May Also Like
Living Nostradamus who predicted COVID-19 dishes on Justin Bieber's future in music and his marriage to Hailey

Nostradamus’ Predictions: COVID-19 & Justin Bieber’s Music Career and Marriage with Hailey

A psychic who successfully foresaw dozens of global events in 2024 has…
REAL ID scam: Scammers taking advantage of confusion over deadline to steal money, identities

“Beware: Scammers Exploiting REAL ID Deadline Confusion to Commit Fraud”

CHICAGO (WLS) — The ABC7 Chicago I-Team is uncovering scams targeting residents…
Big Bus Tours kicks off 10th Anniversary with 'Sunset Live Tours' in Chicago

Big Bus Tours in Chicago marks 10th Anniversary with the launch of ‘Sunset Live Tours’

CHICAGO (WLS) — Starting today, Chicago is glowing with the launch of…
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania shooting: Police officer shot near Overbrook High School; video shows chaotic scene

Police officer near Overbrook High School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, shot in chaotic video scene.

PHILADELPHIA — A Philadelphia police officer was shot Wednesday afternoon near a…
Young kangaroo hops around Florida town after brazen escape, owner charged

Florida town shocked as young kangaroo escapes and hops around, owner faces charges

An unruly kangaroo that escaped from a private owner’s enclosure in Saint…
Investigators reveal disturbing new detail from Hudson River helicopter crash that killed six in NYC

New information from investigators about tragic helicopter crash in Hudson River that claimed six lives in NYC.

Before crashing into the Hudson River in New York, witnesses reported hearing…
Antisemitism spiking around the world, ADL finds in its 1st-ever global report

“ADL Task Force’s 1st Global Report Reveals Rising Antisemitism Worldwide”

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has released its first-ever J7 Annual Report on…
Longtime ABC7 Chicago courtroom artist Andy Austin, with sketches from Gacy to Blagojevich, dead at 89

Renowned ABC7 Chicago Courtroom Artist Andy Austin, Known for Sketches of Gacy and Blagojevich, Passes Away at 89

CHICAGO (WLS) — Longtime courtroom sketch artist Andy Austin has died. She…
River North stabbing: Alan Saenz-Perez sentenced for deadly River North road rage stabbing near Mag Mile that killed Jeremy Walker

Alan Saenz-Perez sentenced for fatal road rage stabbing in River North near Magnificent Mile that resulted in the death of Jeremy Walker

CHICAGO (WLS) — A man has pleaded guilty to a deadly River…
Army vet comes back from the dead to forgive his killer as eerie impact statement played during sentencing hearing

“Forgiving his killer: Army vet’s heartfelt impact statement heard at sentencing”

A road rage incident led to the tragic death of a US…
Netanyahu Says 'Israel Will Defend Itself by Itself' After Trump Announcement of Ceasefire With Houthis

Israel Will Protect Itself Independently After Trump Declares Ceasefire With Houthis

Former President Joe Biden had a history of not supporting Israeli Prime…
Funeral to be held Thursday in Kankakee for former Illinois Governor George Ryan, who died at age 91 last week

Former Illinois Governor George Ryan, who passed away last week at age 91, to be laid to rest in Kankakee on Thursday

KANKAKEE, Ill. (WLS) — A funeral will be held Thursday for the…