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1 Russian oil tanker sinks in Black Sea in bad weather, another damaged, causing oil spill
Both vessels were reportedly carrying about 4,300 dead weight tonnes of oil each.
December 16, 2024, 02:28 PM
A Russian tanker carrying over 4,000 tonnes of oil has sunk while another tanker went adrift and sustained damage in the Kerch Strait, a stretch of water between Russia and annexed Crimea on Sunday (Dec. 15).
The two cargo ships, Volgoneft-212 and Volgoneft-239, were reportedly in distress following bad weather and stormy conditions, The Guardian, CNN, and BBC reported.
Vessel reportedly split into two
Footage released by Russia's Southern Transport Prosecutor's Office shows Volgoneft-212 sinking into the Black Sea with streaks of oil visible around it.
The vessel was reportedly split into two after being hit by a large wave.
Gif via Russia's Southern Transport Prosecutor's Office
One person reported dead
13 crew members were rescued from the sinking vessel. One person is reported to be dead.
Rescue efforts to evacuate 14 crew members abroad Volgoneft-239 were suspended due to bad weather.
The country's Ministry of Emergency Situations said the ships have the necessary facilities and supplies for immediate life support.
The extent of a possible oil spill is being assessed.
According to BBC, both vessels were carrying about 4,300 dead weight tonnes of oil each.
The Guardian reported the sunk Volgoneft-212 was carrying 4,300 tonnes of oil while Volgoneft-239 was carrying four tonnes of fuel oil.
Shadow fleet
Since the unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the U.S. and other countries imposed a "price cap" on Russian exports of crude oil, intended to reduce the revenues of the Russian state while it continues its war of aggression.
However, in a bid to circumvent such measures, a "shadow fleet" of vessels operating outside most international shipping standards have been transporting Russian crude to willing customers, thereby allowing Russia to continue earning money from crude oil sales.
The two damaged vessels may have been part of Russia's shadow fleet, accounting for their seeming lack of proper maintenance.
Top image via Russia's Southern Transport Prosecutor's Office
