Russia mounted a rescue operation on Sunday after two oil tankers were wrecked in rough seas near Moscow-annexed Crimea, resulting in one vessel breaking apart, the death of at least one sailor, and a significant oil spill.
One of the vessels, the Volgoneft-212, was carrying approximately 4,300 tonnes of fuel oil.
According to the Telegram channel Mash, linked to Russian security services, nearly 4,000 tonnes of fuel oil have leaked, forming a massive oil slick in the Black Sea. The other tanker, the Volgoneft-239, was carrying an unspecified amount of oil.
“Today, due to a storm in the Black Sea, the Volgoneft-212 and the Volgoneft-239 were wrecked. The ships carried crews of 15 and 14, respectively. The incident caused an oil spill,” reported Rosmorrechflot, Russia’s federal shipping agency.
Dramatic videos circulating online show the Volgoneft-212‘s stern broken off and floating vertically in the water. Interfax reported that some crew members were seen in the water.
At least 13 sailors have been rescued, according to TASS, with one confirmed dead.
“Two tugboats and two helicopters have been deployed to assist the tankers. Evacuations are underway,” stated Rosmorrechflot, adding that “efforts are being made to contain and clean up the oil spill.”
