Two Russian oil tankers, Volgoneft 212 and Volgoneft 239, have suffered significant damage following a rough storm on Sunday, resulting in an oil spill and prompting emergency rescue operations by Russian authorities. The incident occurred in the Kerch Strait, which separates mainland Russia from Crimea, the Ukrainian peninsula annexed by Moscow back in 2014.
Footage released by the Russian Emergencies Ministry displayed the wreckage of the Volgoneft 212, which reportedly split apart during the storm and sank, claiming the life of at least one crew member. Russian officials stated the vessel was carrying approximately 4,200 dead weight tonnes of oil when it began to issue distress signals. The other tanker, the Volgoneft 239, was badly damaged but managed to drift ashore, where it grounded about 80 meters from the port of Taman.
The complexity of the rescue operation became evident as efforts to reach those still aboard the Volgoneft 239 were halted due to worsening weather conditions. Nevertheless, authorities confirmed communication was maintained with the 14 crew members still stranded on the damaged vessel, assuring the public they had adequate supplies to survive.
President Vladimir Putin ordered the establishment of a working group led by Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Savelyev to handle the crisis, as investigations are being conducted for suspected violations of safety regulations. Two criminal cases have been launched by Russian investigators concerning potential negligence surrounding this maritime disaster.
Michelle Bockmann, an analyst for Lloyd's List, highlighted the importance of the situation, noting, "These tankers are often poorly maintained and lack proper insurance." The Volgoneft vessels are smaller than typical trading oil tankers, which hold up to 120,000 dead weight tonnes of oil; these were primarily used for transport along Russia's rivers and coastal waters.
The Kerch Strait serves as a pivotal artery for Russian exports, facilitating the movement of grain, crude oil, fuel oil, and liquefied natural gas. This incident, reminiscent of previous maritime disasters, poses potential significant environmental consequences for the surrounding Black Sea region. For example, back in 2007, the oil tanker Volgoneft-139 split during severe weather, resulting in over 1,000 tonnes of oil being spilled.
Local media reported conflicting statements, with some alleging one tanker sank entirely, highlighting the urgency of the situation. After the storm, emergency services managed to evacuate 12 crew members from the Volgoneft 212, with two hospitalized due to serious injuries, including hypothermia. Their condition reflects the high-risk environment associated with maritime operations, especially during adverse weather.
Continuous efforts are being made to assess the extent of the oil spill. Rosprirodnadzor, Russia's environmental watchdog, has sent specialists to evaluate the damage on-site, yet official statements are still unclear on the total volume of oil spilled or the environmental impact of the incident.
The seriousness of this event is compounded by the sanctions levied against Russian oil imports since the onset of their full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The use of older tankers and less secure shipping practices has raised concerns about oil transport safety. Observers have noted the emergence of what has been termed the 'ghost fleet,' comprising older, less reliable vessels circumstantially used to evade international sanctions.
With the situation developing, authorities on both sides remain watchful of the environmental and economic consequences this incident may entail. The fallout from this incident could extend beyond immediate environmental damage and has the potential to reignite tensions surrounding custodial rights over the strait.
Authorities are ramping up their response, mobilizing helicopters and rugged rescue vessels to aid their salvage pursuits. Further developments are expected as investigations proceed and assessments of the environmental impact are conducted. Russian officials continue to underline the significance of regulating maritime safety amid the backdrop of pervasive geopolitical tensions and conflicts.
