Two Russian oil tankers have suffered severe damage in the Kerch Strait, resulting in an oil spill and at least one confirmed fatality, according to Russian authorities. The incident occurred in a strategically important waterway separating Russia from Crimea, prompting immediate rescue and investigative efforts.
Official footage from Russia’s Southern Transport Prosecutor’s Office revealed extensive damage, with one tanker’s bow completely severed and visible oil streaks in the surrounding waters. The vessels, owned by Volgatanker, were relatively small commercial tankers carrying approximately 4,300 dead weight tonnes of oil each.
A complex rescue operation was launched, involving tugboats, helicopters, and over 50 personnel. Thirteen crew members from one tanker were successfully rescued before operations were suspended due to adverse weather conditions. The remaining 14 crew members on the second tanker are reportedly equipped with essential life support resources and are awaiting improved conditions.
President Vladimir Putin has responded by establishing a dedicated working group led by Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Savelyev. Authorities have initiated a criminal negligence investigation into the incident.
Michelle Bockmann, an analyst from Lloyd’s List, noted that these tankers were likely used for domestic river and coastal transportation, significantly smaller than international crude oil carriers. The Kerch Strait remains a critical route for Russian grain and energy exports.
This event echoes a similar maritime disaster in 2007 when the Volgoneft-139 split during a storm, spilling over 1,000 tonnes of oil in the same region. The current incident occurs against the backdrop of international sanctions on Russian oil imports following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
While Russia has been previously accused of utilizing poorly maintained “ghost fleet” tankers to circumvent sanctions, Bockmann suggested these specific vessels did not appear to be part of such a fleet.
Investigations are ongoing, with authorities working to understand the full circumstances of this maritime catastrophe and its potential environmental and economic implications.
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