The tankers Volgoneft-212 and Volgoneft-239 were damaged and sank in the Kerch Strait due to a storm. The ships sank, causing an oil spill. The crew was evacuated from one of the tankers — 1 of the 13 crew members died. This was reported by TASS.
In the Kerch Strait, the Volgoneft-212 tanker, which was carrying more than four tons of fuel oil, was seriously damaged by a storm. According to emergency services, the bow of the vessel was torn off. The crew of 13 people took refuge in the stern. The incident occurred eight kilometers from the shore.
The Ministry of Emergency Situations confirmed that the cause of the crash was adverse weather conditions – a strong squall wind and sea waves up to seven points. Information about a possible fuel oil spill is being clarified.
Some time later, a second tanker, Volgoneft-239, was damaged in the same area, also carrying more than four tons of fuel oil. There are 14 people on board the vessel. The tanker is drifting towards Taman, and an oil spill has occurred.
A Mi-8 helicopter of the Russian Emergencies Ministry, as well as the rescue tugboat Mercury, which set out from Kamysh-Burun Bay, have been sent to help the ships in distress. In total, there are 29 crew members on the two tankers, and the evacuation has already begun.
The Novorossiysk transport prosecutor's office has begun an investigation into compliance with legislation in the area of maritime safety in connection with the incident.
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Cover: Photo — Press Service of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Southern Federal District/ TASS