Two Tankers in Trouble Amid Black Sea Storm
A Russian tanker, Volgoneft-212, carrying over 4,000 tonnes of heavy fuel oil, sank in the Black Sea during severe storm conditions. The incident occurred off the coast of Crimea, near the Kerch Strait. Shortly after, another tanker, Volgoneft-239, ran aground nearby, intensifying concerns about an ecological disaster.
The Volgoneft-212 broke in half after being struck by a large wave. Dramatic footage showed its bow sticking vertically out of the water. The 136-meter-long ship had 15 crew members on board. Rescue teams evacuated 12 people, but one crew member died, and two others remain in critical condition.
The tanker was carrying low-grade heavy fuel oil, known as mazut, which poses significant environmental risks if spilled. Russian emergency services launched a rescue operation involving tugboats and a Mil Mi-8 helicopter. Meanwhile, efforts to evacuate the 14-member crew of the Volgoneft-239 were suspended due to bad weather.
Serious Environmental and Structural Concerns
The Volgoneft-212 was a 55-year-old vessel, registered in St. Petersburg and recently refitted. Engineers had cut out its central section and welded the stern and bow together, creating a vulnerable seam that appears to have failed during the storm. Video footage captured the ship breaking apart, with crew members in lifejackets watching helplessly as waves battered the hull.
The Volgoneft-239, a 50-year-old vessel, avoided sinking but ran aground 80 meters from the shore near the port of Taman. Initial reports suggested it was sinking, but the Russian emergencies ministry clarified that the ship remained intact, and the crew’s lives were not in danger.
The extent of the oil spill from the Volgoneft-212 remains unclear, but black slicks have already been observed near the wreck. Environmentalists warn that the spill could severely damage the Black Sea ecosystem, which has already suffered from war-related pollution.
Ukraine Blames Russia for Negligence
Ukrainian officials criticized Russia for using outdated tankers and ignoring safety protocols during severe weather. Ukrainian navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk called the vessels “decrepit” and accused Moscow of recklessness. “You can’t go to sea in such a storm. The result is an accident,” Pletenchuk said.
The Black Sea region has experienced significant ecological damage since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. War-related incidents, including the destruction of the Kakhovka dam in June 2023, have released pollutants into the sea, devastating marine life. Scientists report increased dolphin and porpoise deaths, with 1,000 cetaceans killed in 2022 alone.
Russia Responds Amid Growing Concerns
In response to the tanker disaster, President Vladimir Putin ordered the government to form a working group to manage the rescue efforts and mitigate the environmental impact. Russian investigators have launched criminal cases to examine potential safety violations.
The sinking of the Volgoneft-212 is part of a broader pattern of maritime crises in the Black Sea. Military conflict, outdated infrastructure, and environmental neglect have combined to create significant challenges for the region. As efforts to recover and assess the damage continue, the ecological toll of these incidents remains a growing concern.