On December 15, two oil tankers, Volgonефть-212 and Volgonефть-239, sank off the coast near the Kerch Strait, releasing thousands of tons of oil products and sparking immediate concerns over environmental disaster. Subsequently, Anapa was declared under emergency conditions as the spill reached its popular beaches, prompting massive cleanup efforts from local volunteers and organizations.
Shagida Mozalyuk, recently moved from Tyumen to Anapa, expressed her dismay over the situation: "I live near the shore. Although there is no oil on our beach, the smell of oil products is strong. The stores have run out of flour and starch they use to clean animals from oil," she said. Mozalyuk highlighted the mobilization of volunteers who are working tirelessly to wash down beaches and rescue wildlife affected by the spill.
Reports indicate over 4,000 individuals, including local residents, Cossacks, and students, have joined the efforts to restore Anapa's coastal area. Notably, hotel staff members and businesses are providing free services to clean affected animals, offering food and water to volunteers engaged on the front lines. Cleanup efforts have focused on collecting contaminated sand and removing oily substances from both the beach and surrounding sea birds.
Volunteer groups have set up at the beach and are actively collecting money for starch and flour, which are being utilized to wash the wildlife caught in the spill. "We are collecting money for starch and flour to clean the birds," said Mozalyuk, reflecting the communal spirit of those affected by the oil spill.
Rescue efforts are not limited to beaches. Local residents and volunteers have also been working to save birds coated with oil. Attempts are being made to clean their feathers using soaps, flour, and other cleaning agents. The coordinated response from various agencies and citizens demonstrates Anapa’s commitment to recovering from this environmental catastrophe.
Alexey Vysokanov, director of one of Anapa’s hotel networks, expressed optimism about the restoration process. "Judging by past incidents, we see no threat to the summer bathing season. We have six months before summer, and the beaches and waters will undoubtedly be cleaned, allowing safe swimming once again," he stated, reflecting the sentiments of many within the tourism sector.
Despite forecasts of recovery, concerns remain about the long-term impact of the oil spill on local wildlife. Sergey Alev, leading researcher at the Southern Seas laboratory, noted, "The oil spill will lead to significant environmental damage." The local ecosystem has faced numerous challenges, especially after the 2007 incident, where similar circumstances led to significant clean-up operations but not without lasting consequences.
Cleanup operations have been intensive, with responders assessing over 29 kilometers of shoreline within just one day. Oil slicks have been identified from the village of Veselovka to beaches around the Sibur-Yug sanatorium, indicating extensive pollution. Efforts to contain the spill included the establishment of barriers along the Bugaz spit, with specialized teams overseeing the operations around the clock. "The work on the cleanup is heavy. Weather complicates the situation, as storms continue to hamper our operations," remarked Governor Veniamin Kondratiev, emphasizing the dedication of all who are involved.
The incident has raised concerns among local residents about the forthcoming tourist season. Many are worried about the repercussions on Anapa’s reputation as a tourist destination. Authorities are optimistic, stating previous spill incidents resulted in rapid recovery and restoration of the region's natural beauty, indicating lessons learned and improved strategies for future events.
With the government, local organizations, and the community rallying together, the path to recovery, albeit challenging, appears feasible. Anapa's residents and volunteers show determination and resilience as they work tirelessly to restore this beloved coastal paradise.
