This Sunday, two Russian tankers were seriously damaged in the Kerch Strait, in the southern Black Sea, near Crimea, following a violent storm, the Russian Federal Agency for River and Maritime Transport said ( Rosmorretchflot).
Significant damage to two tankers
The Volgoneft-212a tanker carrying fuel oil and 13 crew members, was particularly affected. Due to the extreme weather conditions, the ship ran aground and suffered severe structural damage. One crew member died in the incident, and 12 others were rescued. The leak of petroleum products was also confirmed.
The Volgoneft-239another tanker carrying petroleum products and 14 crew members, was also damaged in the storm. The vessel was set adrift, but no casualties were reported on board.
Help mobilized
The Russian federal agency responsible for river and maritime transport quickly launched an emergency relief operation.
Two tugboats were sent to the scene to stabilize the vessels. At the same time, two helicopters from the Russian ministry were mobilized to provide aid to the sailors. In total, more than 50 rescue workers have been deployed to the region, as well as 11 units of equipment. Rescue teams are working hard to limit the damage and avoid an ecological disaster.
The Kerch Strait, at the heart of geopolitical tensions
The Kerch Strait, a strategic area that separates Russian-annexed Crimea from the rest of Russian territory, is a key maritime passage for trade between the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.
This region is at the heart of geopolitical tensions since the annexation of Crimea by Russia in 2014. This is not the first time that this area has become the scene of maritime incidents or conflicts, as in 2018, when Russia captured three Ukrainian ships in this same strait.
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