Russian tanker broke into two parts in the storm, oil spilled into the sea

A Russian Oil Tanker Drowned in the Sea: A severe storm in the Kerch Strait of Russia on Sunday (December 15) seriously damaged two oil tankers, causing oil to leak into the sea. Located between mainland Russia and Crimea, this strait is an important route for Russia’s grain and oil exports.

The first tanker, Volgoneft 212, broke in two and sank due to the storm. This 136 meter long ship was built in 1969 and had 15 crew members. Russian officials confirmed the death of one person from this tanker and evacuated 12 others to a safe place. Of these, 11 people have been admitted to the hospital, out of which the condition of two is critical.

Volgoneft 239 stuck in sand

At the same time, the second tanker Volgoneft 239 was also badly damaged and was washed away far away. This 132 meter long ship was built in 1973 and had 14 crew members on board. Rescue efforts for the crew of Volgoneft 239 have been temporarily halted due to severe weather conditions, but officials have maintained contact with the crew and confirmed their safety. Let us tell you that Volgoneft 239 ship got stuck in sand near Taman port.

The extent of oil spill is not yet clear

It is noteworthy that the capacity of both Russian oil tankers is about 4,200 tons of oil products. However, the extent of oil leakage is not yet clear. Video footage showed the Volgoneft 212 crashing into the waves, and video circulated online showed black water and a partially submerged ship.

Waves have washed over 2 Russian oil tankers in the Kerch Strait. They are sinking.

Russia is a threat to all of Europe with its old tankers carrying oil and oil products! A catastrophe could happen at any moment! pic.twitter.com/7ULFt6Jo4G

— Evgen Istrebin 🇺🇦 (@evgen1232007) December 15, 2024

Rescue operation started for stranded people

An operation has been started to rescue the people trapped in the oil tanker. More than 50 personnel and resources have been deployed in this operation, which also included helicopters and tugboats. “Experts are assessing the damage at the scene,” said Svetlana Radionova, the head of Russia’s environmental watchdog agency Rosprirodnadzor. Additionally, Russian investigators have launched two criminal investigations into possible security violations.

Also read: Vladimir Putin will give a big gift to Indians, visa free entry in Russia for Indians from the year 2025!