Volgoneft 212, a Russian oil tanker, was damaged in a storm on Sunday, the country's emergency services said. "A distress call was received this morning regarding the Volgoneft-212 tanker in trouble near the Kerch Strait," the emergency services detailed in a statement.
According to a TASS source, the vessel is carrying over 4,000 tons of fuel oil, with 14 crew members aboard. The source shared that the stern of the tanker was torn off.
Another oil tanker, Volgoneft 239, was struck by the storm and was sinking in the same area. Oil spillage was confirmed by Russia's Federal Agency for Sea and Inland Water Transport (Rosmorrechflot).
Russian tanker Volgoneft 212 has split in two near the Kerch Strait, with 13 crew members on board. It was carrying around 4,300 tons of fuel oil
— Vipul🎭 (@VipulVerveVox) December 15, 2024
Rescue for 13 crew members is underway.
Spilling of oil will be a major concern for marine life. pic.twitter.com/QjwnsXF8wR