Oil spills into Kerch Strait after Russian tanker splits in half during storm

A Russian oil tanker reportedly split into half in the Black Sea on Sunday (15 December), causing an oil spill into the Kerch Strait, according to Reuters.

Citing statements from Russian authorities, the tanker, Volgoneft 212, was carrying thousands of tonnes of oil products when it split apart during a heavy storm.

Russia opened two criminal cases to look into possible safety violations after at least one person was killed during the incident with the tanker’s bow sinking. The tanker has 15 people on board and was built in 1969. 

Another Russian-flagged tanker, Volgoneft 239, also issued a distress signal in Kerch Strait after sustaining damage and was drifting. The tanker has a total of 14 crew members and was built in 1973. 

According to the Russian government website, President Vladimir Putin ordered the government to set up a working group to handle the rescue operation and mitigate the impact of the fuel spill.

It will be headed by Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Savelyev.

Russian media outlet Mash shared videos of the two tankers on Telegram including a half-submerged tanker at sea. 

Photo credit: Screenshot from Telegram channel Mash
Published: 13 December, 2024