Two Tankers Face Trouble Amid Severe Storms
The Russian tanker Volgoneft-212 sank in the Black Sea during a storm, spilling 4,300 tonnes of heavy fuel oil. The accident occurred near the Kerch Strait, five miles off the coast of Crimea. A second tanker, Volgoneft-239, ran aground nearby, raising fears of further environmental damage.
The Volgoneft-212 broke in half after being struck by a massive wave. Footage showed its bow sticking vertically out of the water. The 136-meter-long vessel carried 15 crew members. Rescue operations evacuated 12 people, but one died, and two remain in critical condition. Tugboats and a Mil Mi-8 helicopter assisted in the rescue efforts.
The Volgoneft-239 ran aground 80 meters from the shore near the port of Taman. Initial reports suggested it had sunk, but later clarifications confirmed the vessel was intact. Authorities suspended evacuation efforts for its 14-member crew due to bad weather. Officials reported that the ship’s onboard facilities ensured the crew’s safety.
Spill Threatens Fragile Marine Ecosystem
The Volgoneft-212 carried low-grade heavy fuel oil, known as mazut, which poses severe risks to marine life. Black slicks appeared near the wreck, but the full extent of the spill remains unclear. Environmentalists warned that the spill could devastate the already fragile Black Sea ecosystem.
The Volgoneft-212 was 55 years old and recently refitted. Engineers removed its central section, welding the stern and bow together, creating a weak seam. This seam likely caused the tanker to break apart in the storm. Video footage showed crew members in lifejackets watching helplessly as waves battered the vessel.
The Volgoneft-239, built in 1973, carried a smaller load of four tonnes of fuel oil. Although it avoided sinking, any additional spill could worsen the environmental impact. Stormy weather has hindered clean-up efforts, increasing the risk of long-term ecological damage.
Criticism Over Negligence and Old Ships
Ukrainian officials criticized Russia for using outdated vessels and ignoring weather warnings. Dmytro Pletenchuk, a Ukrainian navy spokesperson, accused Russia of negligence. “These old tankers shouldn’t have been allowed to sail in such a storm,” he said.
The Black Sea region has already suffered extensive environmental damage due to war-related activities. In June 2023, Russian forces destroyed the Kakhovka dam, releasing billions of tonnes of contaminated water into the Black Sea. This polluted water killed fish, mussels, and other marine species. Scientists have also reported a significant rise in dolphin and porpoise deaths since 2022.
President Vladimir Putin ordered the formation of a task force to manage rescue operations and minimize the spill’s impact. Russian investigators launched criminal cases to probe potential safety violations. The incident highlights the ongoing risks of aging maritime infrastructure and escalating environmental challenges in the Black Sea region.