Russian vessel sinking. Photo: Screenshot from Russian Telegram channels
Reports emerged on the morning of 15 December indicating that two Russian tankers, Volgoneft 212 and Volgoneft 239, were sinking in the Kerch Strait. Both vessels were reported to be broken in half, with fuel oil leaking into the water.
Source: Russian media outlets Mash and Astra; Kremlin-aligned Russian news agency Interfax
Details: The Volgoneft had 13 crew members and about 4,300 tonnes of fuel oil on board.
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Later reports revealed that another tanker, Volgoneft-239, sank after the Volgoneft-212. Its hull also broke into two parts, reportedly due to being struck by a wave.
A total of 4,000 tonnes of fuel oil leaked from the Volgoneft-212’s tanks, creating a large black spot on the sea’s surface. Emergency workers on tugboats are attempting to rescue the sailors from the water.
A tugboat, Mercury, along with a Mi-8 helicopter from the Russian Emergencies Ministry, are en route from Kerch to assist the crew.
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