Russian Oil Tanker Split in Storm Causes Major Spill in Kerch Strait

A Russian oil tanker carrying thousands of tonnes of oil products split apart during a heavy storm on Sunday, spilling oil into the Kerch Strait. The incident occurred between mainland Russia and Crimea, with distress signals being issued by the vessels. Russian investigators have opened criminal cases to probe possible safety violations after at least one person was killed when the 136-metre Volgoneft 212 tanker split in half and its bow sank. The second Russian-flagged ship, Volgoneft 239, was also in distress after sustaining damage.

The Kerch Strait is a crucial route for Russian exports of grain, crude oil, fuel oil, and liquefied natural gas. In September, Ukraine accused Russia at an international court of trying to maintain sole control over the strait, an accusation Moscow denies. Emergency services reported one fatality in the first tanker wreck, with 12 others evacuated and some hospitalized. Efforts to evacuate the crew of the second ship were suspended due to bad weather.

President Vladimir Putin ordered the government to establish a working group to manage the rescue operation and minimize the fuel spill’s impact. More than 50 people and equipment, including helicopters and rescue tugboats, have been deployed to the area. Specialists are assessing the damage at the site of the incident, according to Svetlana Radionova, head of Russia’s natural resources watchdog. The extent of the spill and the reason for the serious damage sustained by one of the tankers remain unclear.

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