The Kerch Strait in the Black Sea has suffered a major environmental disaster after two Russian oil tankers were severely damaged during stormy weather, resulting in a massive oil spill.
The incident occurred when the Volgoneft-212 tanker ran aground on Sunday, causing its bow to tear and spilling approximately 3,700 tones of mazut, a heavy oil product. Tragically, one crew member from the 13-man team aboard lost his life.
A second vessel, the Volgoneft-239, also drifted due to the rough conditions and ran aground near Russia’s Taman port. Fortunately, all 14 crew members on board were rescued.
Environmental organization Greenpeace Ukraine has vowed to monitor the ecological impact of the spill, despite being banned from operating in Russia. According to the group, the tankers departed from Volgograd with their tracking systems disabled and were reportedly en route to deliver oil to the Russian navy.
Experts are raising alarms over the potential long-term damage caused by the spill. Strong winds and currents in the area are expected to hinder containment efforts, increasing the risk of severe shoreline pollution and complicating clean-up operations.
The Kerch Strait connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Azov and is a critical waterway for regional maritime activities. The full environmental and economic impact of this disaster is yet to be determined.
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