Russian authorities report that two oil tankers have sunk in the Black Sea due to extreme weather conditions, prompting fears of environmental damage as oil begins to leak.
Catastrophic Sinking of Russian Tankers in the Black Sea Amid Severe Weather
Catastrophic Sinking of Russian Tankers in the Black Sea Amid Severe Weather
Two Russian oil tankers have capsized in the Black Sea, releasing oil into the waters, as a rescue effort is launched.
In a harrowing incident in the Black Sea, two Russian oil tankers have sunk, resulting in an increasing oil spill and risking severe ecological consequences. The vessels, identified as the Volgoneft-212 and Volgoneft-239, were caught in furious storms, as confirmed by Russia's federal sea and inland water transport agency, Rosmorrechflot.
Reports indicate that the two ships, which had 29 crew members aboard, succumbed to the treacherous conditions of the Kerch Strait—an area that delineates Russian territory from the annexed region of Crimea. While non-verified footage circulating on social media appears to depict one of the tankers split in two and sinking, Russian officials have acknowledged the event and the subsequent environmental risks posed by the oil spill.
To counter the calamity, a significant rescue and clean-up operation has been mobilized, involving two tugboats, two helicopters, and over 50 personnel who are currently engaged in both rescue operations and efforts to contain the burgeoning oil spill. The situation remains fluid, with authorities urgently assessing the impact of the tankers' sinking and the nature of the spill in hopes of mitigating further environmental dangers.
