Approximately 4,000 tonnes of oil products are believed to have leaked into the Kerch Strait following the sinking of two tankers during a storm, according to Russian Natural Resources Minister Alexander Kozlov. The exact figures remain uncertain as divers continue their investigation into the incident.
Extent of the Spill Under Investigation
Minister Kozlov noted that the estimate is based on the displacement of the sunken tankers, Volgoneft 212 and Volgoneft 239, which were carrying a total of 9,200 tonnes of fuel oil. “The final figures may change as the divers’ work progresses,” Kozlov told reporters on Friday.
Impact on the Environment
Fuel oil spills were discovered earlier on Friday in the Utrish natural reserve in the city of Anapa, near the Black Sea coast. Acting director Olga Shvab stated that the contaminated area is limited to 300 meters, with oil emissions found on rocks, not in contact with forested areas. Cleanup operations are set to begin on Saturday.
The Incident
The tankers wrecked in the Kerch Strait on Sunday during a severe storm, releasing an estimated 3,700 tonnes of fuel oil into the sea. The strait, a critical waterway connecting the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, is now the site of a significant environmental concern.
Efforts to contain and mitigate the spill are ongoing, with authorities closely monitoring the situation to assess the environmental impact and plan the recovery process.
