Russian tanker carrying 4,300 tonnes of oil sinks in the Black Sea
World
A Russian tanker carrying over 4,300 tonnes of oil products sank in the Black Sea during a severe storm, while another tanker ran aground, raising the risk of an ecological disaster.
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On Sunday, the cargo ship Volgoneft-212 broke in half due to the impact of a large wave. The incident occurred 8 kilometers off the eastern coast of Crimea, near the Kerch Strait, according to Russian media reports.
Russian investigators have opened two criminal cases to investigate possible safety violations. The 136-meter tanker, which had a 15-member crew, sank, leaving at least one person dead.
The tanker was transporting 4,300 tonnes of mazut, a low-quality heavy fuel oil.
Russia’s emergency services launched a rescue operation involving tugboats and a Mil Mi-8 helicopter. Twelve people were evacuated, with 11 hospitalized. Two of them are in critical condition, according to TASS news agency, quoting Alexei Kuznetsov, a representative of the health ministry.
Shortly afterward, another cargo ship, Volgoneft-239, also encountered difficulties in the same area. It was carrying only 4 tonnes of fuel. Initial reports suggested that this ship had also sunk.
However, the Ministry of Emergency Situations later clarified that the 132-meter vessel, built in 1973, had run aground 80 meters from the shore near the port of Taman in the southern part of the Kerch Strait.
The ministry stated on Telegram that the evacuation of the 14-member crew was halted due to bad weather. They assured that the ship had all necessary facilities on board to ensure the crew's safety, and rescue teams remained in contact with them.
President Vladimir Putin instructed the government to establish a working group to organize the rescue operation and mitigate the impact of the oil spill. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Putin had met with the ministers of emergency services and environmental protection to discuss the matter.
The Volgoneft-212, a 55-year-old vessel registered in St. Petersburg, had recently undergone renovations. Its central section was cut out, and the stern and bow were welded back together. This seam is believed to have been the point of failure.
Russian investigators have opened two criminal cases to investigate possible safety violations. The 136-meter tanker, which had a 15-member crew, sank, leaving at least one person dead.
The tanker was transporting 4,300 tonnes of mazut, a low-quality heavy fuel oil.
Russia’s emergency services launched a rescue operation involving tugboats and a Mil Mi-8 helicopter. Twelve people were evacuated, with 11 hospitalized. Two of them are in critical condition, according to TASS news agency, quoting Alexei Kuznetsov, a representative of the health ministry.
Shortly afterward, another cargo ship, Volgoneft-239, also encountered difficulties in the same area. It was carrying only 4 tonnes of fuel. Initial reports suggested that this ship had also sunk.
However, the Ministry of Emergency Situations later clarified that the 132-meter vessel, built in 1973, had run aground 80 meters from the shore near the port of Taman in the southern part of the Kerch Strait.
The ministry stated on Telegram that the evacuation of the 14-member crew was halted due to bad weather. They assured that the ship had all necessary facilities on board to ensure the crew's safety, and rescue teams remained in contact with them.
President Vladimir Putin instructed the government to establish a working group to organize the rescue operation and mitigate the impact of the oil spill. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Putin had met with the ministers of emergency services and environmental protection to discuss the matter.
The Volgoneft-212, a 55-year-old vessel registered in St. Petersburg, had recently undergone renovations. Its central section was cut out, and the stern and bow were welded back together. This seam is believed to have been the point of failure.
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