Watch: Russian tanker splits during storm, spills oil in Kerch Strait

A violent storm in the Russia’s Kerch Strait on Sunday caused significant damage to two oil tankers, resulting in a spill. The strait, located between mainland Russia and Crimea, is a crucial passage for Russian grain and oil exports.
One tanker, the Volgoneft 212, split in half, sinking its bow. The 136-meter vessel, built in 1969, was carrying 15 crew members. Russian authorities confirmed one fatality and the evacuation of 12 others. Eleven of those rescued were hospitalized, with two in serious condition.
The second tanker, the Volgoneft 239, also sustained damage and was adrift. The 132-meter ship, built in 1973, had 14 crew members on board. Rescue efforts for the Volgoneft 239 crew were temporarily halted due to severe weather, but authorities maintained contact, assuring their safety. The ship ran aground near the port of Taman.
Both tankers have a capacity of around 4,200 tonnes of oil products. The extent of the spill remains unclear. Footage showed the Volgoneft 212 battered by waves, and videos circulated online displayed dark water and a partially submerged vessel.

Rescue operations were launched for the trapped. Over 50 personnel and resources, including helicopters and tugboats, were deployed. Svetlana Radionova, head of Russia’s environmental watchdog, Rosprirodnadzor, stated, “Specialists are assessing the damage at the site of the incident.”
Additionally, Russian investigators initiated two criminal investigations into potential safety breaches. President Vladimir Putin established a working group to manage the rescue and address the spill’s environmental impact.