Storms Wreak Havoc on Russian Tankers Near Crimea

The Russian tanker Volgoneft-212 sank in the Black Sea, spilling 4,300 tonnes of heavy fuel oil. The accident occurred amid stormy weather, five miles from the Kerch Strait, near Crimea’s eastern coast. A second tanker, Volgoneft-239, also got into trouble, running aground nearby, raising fears of further environmental damage.

The Volgoneft-212 broke in half after being hit by a massive wave. Video footage captured its bow sticking vertically out of the water. The 136-meter-long vessel had 15 crew members onboard. Rescue teams managed to evacuate 12 people, but one crew member died, and two remain in critical condition. Tugboats and a Mil Mi-8 helicopter were deployed in the rescue operation.

The Volgoneft-239, a 50-year-old vessel, ran aground 80 meters from the shore near the port of Taman. Initial reports suggested it had sunk, but authorities later clarified that the tanker remained intact. Bad weather forced the suspension of evacuation efforts for its 14-member crew, who are reportedly safe onboard.

Environmental Concerns Mount After Fuel Spill

The Volgoneft-212 was carrying low-grade heavy fuel oil, known as mazut, which poses significant risks to marine ecosystems. While the full extent of the spill is unclear, a black slick has already been observed near the wreckage. Experts warn that the spill could severely harm the Black Sea’s fragile ecosystem.

The tanker was 55 years old and had recently undergone modifications. Its center section was removed, and the stern and bow were welded together, creating a weak seam. This seam appears to have failed, leading to the ship snapping in half. Video showed crew members standing on the bridge in lifejackets as waves overwhelmed the vessel.

The Volgoneft-239, built in 1973, carried a smaller cargo of four tonnes of fuel oil. Although it avoided sinking, environmentalists caution that any additional spill, even small, could compound the ecological damage.

Negligence and War-Related Pollution Add to Crisis

Ukrainian officials accused Russia of negligence, blaming the use of outdated vessels and poor safety decisions. “These are old tankers that shouldn’t have sailed in such a storm,” said Ukrainian navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk. He criticized Russian authorities for violating safety rules and putting lives and the environment at risk.

This latest incident adds to the Black Sea’s environmental strain, which has worsened due to the ongoing war. In June 2023, Russian forces destroyed the Kakhovka dam, releasing contaminated water into the Black Sea. The resulting pollution wiped out fish, mollusks, and crustaceans, with scientists documenting a rise in dolphin and porpoise deaths since 2022.

President Vladimir Putin has ordered the government to form a task force to manage rescue operations and address the oil spill. Russian investigators have also launched criminal cases to examine possible safety violations. The accidents underscore the dangers posed by aging maritime infrastructure and the escalating ecological challenges in the Black Sea region.