Two tanker incidents near the Kerch Strait have raised significant concerns about maritime safety, oil spills, and the potential environmental ramifications. On December 15, the tankers Volgonet 212 and Volgonet 239, which are both operated by Kama Shipping and VolgoTransneft respectively, reported distress, prompting emergency response teams to act swiftly.
The Volgonet 212, carrying 4,300 tons of bunker fuel and with 13 crew members on board, experienced problems approximately eight kilometers from the Kerch Strait. According to Russian emergency services reports, unfavorable weather conditions, with winds reaching up to 24 meters per second and waves of three meters, were preliminary factors leading to the distress signal. A rescue vessel and helicopter were dispatched to the area, ensuring the crew received timely assistance.
Tragically, during the rescue efforts for the Volgonet 212, one crew member was found deceased, making this incident particularly tragic. The fate of another four crew members remained unclear for some time, as they were presumed to be either trapped inside the engine room or missing. Other crew members have been accounted for, with successful evacuations reported.
Meanwhile, the Volgonet 239, carrying 4,000 tons of oil products and with 14 crew members on board, was also affected by the storm conditions. Initially reported as drifting, it later ran aground near the port of Taman. Although there were no immediate reports of injuries aboard the Volgonet 239, the potential for oil leaks continues to loom large, which could compound environmental hazards.
Reports indicated oil had already begun to leak from the Volgonet 212, with environmental experts warning about the devastating consequences of potential spills. With both tankers holding around 8,300 tons of oil combined, the fears of extensive coastline contamination have alarmed both local authorities and environmentalists. Expert Anatoly Kuznetsov remarked, “4,000 tons of fuel spills would leave the shores of Kerch heavily polluted. The narrowness of the strait exacerbates the risks associated with such incidents.”
Local officials have expressed grave concerns about the operational safety of the tankers, noting their old age—Volgonet 212 was reportedly built in 1969, and Volgonet 239 was constructed in 1973. Leonid Glushak, head of the Russian Union of Seafarers, criticized the decision for the vessels to be on the water during such adverse conditions, emphasizing the need for the proper winterization of vessels used for oil transport.
Following the incidents, investigations have been launched, and separate criminal cases have been initiated focusing on violations of safety regulations. Initially, the cases were filed under general violations of maritime safety regulations, but due to the fatality on the Volgonet 212, the case was reclassified to include charges related to negligent homicide.
The rescue operations faced additional challenges due to darkness and treacherous weather conditions. While authorities maintain the situation is under control, they reiterated the urgency of containing any environmental impacts. Local journalist Alexander Gorny pointed to the forecast of severe weather conditions preceding the disaster, asserting it was ill-advised for these tankers to head out under such conditions.
Meanwhile, both the southern transport prosecutor’s office and Russian emergency services continue their investigations, eyeing over aspects of operational procedures and the preparedness of both vessels. Questions surrounding whether adequate safety equipment and emergency measures were present are also being brought up. Currently, it remains uncertain how many, if any, regulations may have been overlooked leading to this calamity.
“After the storm recedes, we will have to face the repercussions of this oil spill. The effects could last for months if not contained swiftly and effectively. Environmental cleanup operations will require careful assessment and mobilization of necessary resources,” emphasized environmental advocates.
Overall, the series of unfortunate events at the Kerch Strait highlights the inherent dangers of maritime oil transport, particularly during winter. It raises questions of regulatory oversight and operational practices within Russia’s aging fleet of oil tankers, and the community continues to watch closely as the ramifications of these incidents evolve.
