Russian tankers collide in Black Sea, spilling 2,400 tons of oil
MV Volgoneft-212. (Photo via Wikipedia Commons)
The Russian Ministry of Transport confirmed that two tanker ships collided in the Black Sea due to a storm in mid-December, resulting in an oil spill of approximately 2,400 tons.
The incident occurred in the Kerch Strait, where the storm caused severe damage to the vessels.
The Ministry’s statement noted that the tankers, “Volgoneft-212” and “Volgoneft-239,” which are owned by Russia, each contained four fuel tanks filled with diesel. Initially, experts had estimated that the total amount of oil spilled could reach 4,000 tons, but further assessments have now reduced the estimate to 2,400 tons.
The spill has been particularly damaging to the coastline of the Temryukskiy and Anapa regions in southern Russia, where wildlife has been adversely affected. In response, authorities have initiated a large-scale cleanup operation along the shores of Krasnodar, a region known for its tourism industry.
The Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations has mobilized 4,000 volunteers to assist with the cleanup and rescue operations. Environmental and health experts are working alongside local authorities and volunteers to mitigate the impact on the region’s ecosystem.
The collision and subsequent oil spill prompted the declaration of an emergency in the affected areas, with crews working tirelessly to remove the oil from the beaches and prevent further environmental damage.
