Watch: Russian tanker breaks apart in storm, spills oil in Kerch Strait

A violent storm in Russia’s Kerch Strait on Sunday caused significant damage to two oil tankers, resulting in a spill. The strait, which lies between the Russian mainland and Crimea, is a crucial passage for Russian grain and oil exports.
A tanker, that one Volgoneft 212split in two, lowers his bow. The 136 meter long vessel, built in 1969, had 15 crew members. Russian authorities confirmed one death and the evacuation of 12 others. Eleven of the rescued were hospitalized, two of whom were in a serious condition.
The other tanker, Volgoneft 239, also sustained damage and was adrift. The 132 meter long ship, built in 1973, had 14 crew members on board. Rescue efforts for the Volgoneft 239 crew were temporarily halted due to severe weather, but authorities maintained contact to ensure their safety. The ship ran aground near the port of Taman.
Both tankers have a capacity of around 4,200 tonnes of oil products. The extent of the spill remains unclear. Footage showed the Volgoneft 212 battered by waves, and videos circulating online showed dark water and a partially submerged vessel.

Rescue operations were launched for the captives. Over 50 people and resources, including helicopters and tugboats, were deployed. Svetlana Radionova, head of Russia’s environmental watchdog, Rosprirodnadzor, stated: “Specialists are assessing the damage at the scene of the incident.”
In addition, Russian investigators opened two criminal investigations into potential security breaches. President Vladimir Putin set up a task force to manage the rescue and address the spill’s environmental impact.