Volunteers Urge Federal Aid for Oil Spill Disaster on Russia’s Black Sea Coast

Volunteers cleaning up a major oil spill along Russia’s Black Sea coast have appealed for urgent federal aid in a video released on Monday. The spill, caused by two ageing tankers hit by a storm on Dec. 15, has coated sandy beaches in and around Anapa, a popular summer resort. Seabirds, dolphins, and porpoises have been seriously affected by the pollution.

President Vladimir Putin has been urged to send professional clean-up workers, pollution specialists, and veterinarians to treat affected wildlife. The volunteers, overwhelmed by the scale of the disaster, believe that local authorities lack the resources and technical means to handle the situation effectively. They have demanded Moscow’s immediate intervention and assistance from other countries for equipment.

The clean-up operation, involving over 10,000 people, has been described as an ecological disaster by Putin. Despite efforts to contain the oil spill, difficult weather conditions have hindered progress. State TV reported that 40 km of coastline had been cleaned, but oil continues to wash up on beaches. Divers were scheduled to inspect one of the tankers to assess potential oil leaks.

The volunteers emphasized the need for professional resources and technical expertise to combat the catastrophe effectively. They highlighted the challenges faced by local authorities and stressed the importance of immediate action to prevent further harm to wildlife and the environment. The situation remains critical, with dead dolphins washing up on the shore and contaminated sand spreading due to storms.

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