Two Russian oil tankers, carrying a combined total of 29 crew members, have sunk in the stormy waters of the Black Sea, according to Russian authorities. The vessels, identified as Volgoneft-212 and Volgoneft-239, reportedly capsized during a heavy storm in the Kerch Strait, which separates Russia from occupied Crimea. Eyewitness videos circulating on social media, though unverified by the BBC, depict one of the tankers breaking in half amidst turbulent seas, with visible oil streaks in the water.
Two Russian Oil Tankers Sink in Stormy Black Sea, Prompting Rescue and Cleanup Efforts
Two Russian Oil Tankers Sink in Stormy Black Sea, Prompting Rescue and Cleanup Efforts
Two Russian oil tankers have sunk in the Black Sea due to severe weather, leading to oil leakage and a coordinated emergency response.
The federal sea and inland water transport agency, Rosmorrechflot, confirmed the sinking and reported that both tankers had crews consisting of 15 and 14 members respectively. In response to the incident, a comprehensive rescue and clean-up operation has been initiated, deploying two tugboats, two helicopters, and over 50 personnel to contain the oil spill and rescue any survivors. The situation has raised alarm due to the environmental implications of the oil leakage and the dangers faced by the crew members in the rough maritime conditions.
