A Russian oil tanker split in half during a heavy storm on Sunday, spilling oil into the Kerch Strait, while another tanker also faced distress after sustaining damage. The vessels, located between mainland Russia and Crimea, sent distress signals as the storm raged, prompting a swift response from emergency crews, Reuters reports.
Russian authorities confirmed that the 136-meter Volgoneft 212 tanker, carrying 15 crew members, sank after its bow split off, with at least one person reported dead. Emergency footage showed waves crashing over the deck of the aging vessel, which was built in 1969. Another tanker, the 132-meter Volgoneft 239, suffered damage but managed to drift, its crew of 14 safe.
The Kerch Strait is a vital route for Russian exports, including oil products, grain, and liquefied natural gas. It is particularly crucial for the transportation of crude oil and other vital shipments. Both tankers, each with a cargo capacity of approximately 4,200 tonnes, had significant damage.
Russian investigators have opened two criminal cases to examine possible violations of safety protocols after the incident. While one person has been confirmed dead, 12 others were evacuated from the first tanker. Eleven of the evacuees required hospitalization, with two in serious condition.
President Vladimir Putin has ordered the establishment of a working group to address the crisis and manage the fuel spill. More than 50 people, including helicopters and rescue tugboats, have been deployed to the area. The government is also working to assess the environmental damage caused by the spill.
