Two Russian oil tankers ran aground in the Kertsch Strait in the Black Sea over the weekend. Both ships had sent out a distress signal near the Crimean Peninsula due to weather damage, the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations reported on Sunday.
The “Volgoneft 212” with 13 crew members on board is reported to have run aground, carrying approximately 4,300 tons of heating oil. According to the Russian news agency Interfax, citing official sources, an oil leak has occurred, and at least one fatality has been reported among the crew.
The second ship, the “Volgoneft 239”, is said to be adrift and unable to maneuver, with 14 crew members on board, none of whom are reported to be injured. Rescue teams, including helicopters, were sent to the ship.
The Kertsch Strait connects the Black Sea to the Azov Sea. Strong winds were registered in the area before the accident.