Jerry Jackson A severe storm caused the Black Sea oil spill after the Russian tanker Volgoneft-212 broke in half, leaking 4,300 tonnes of heavy fuel oil. Another tanker, Volgoneft-239, ran aground nearby, raising environmental concerns. Experts blame outdated vessels and poor safety standards for the disaster.
Severe Storms Cause Two Tanker Accidents Off Crimea
A Russian tanker, Volgoneft-212, sank in the Black Sea during stormy conditions, spilling 4,300 tonnes of heavy fuel oil. The incident happened five miles from the Kerch Strait, near the eastern coast of Crimea. A second tanker, Volgoneft-239, ran aground in the same area, adding to fears of an environmental catastrophe.
The Volgoneft-212 broke in half after being hit by a large wave. Its bow was seen sticking vertically out of the water. The 136-meter vessel had 15 crew members onboard. Rescue operations, involving tugboats and a Mil Mi-8 helicopter, evacuated 12 people. One person died, and two are in critical condition.
The Volgoneft-239 ran aground 80 meters from shore near Taman port. Initial reports suggested it was sinking, but officials later confirmed the vessel was intact. Authorities suspended evacuation efforts for its 14-member crew due to bad weather. The crew remains onboard with adequate facilities to ensure their safety.
Environmental Damage and Safety Failures Under Scrutiny
The Volgoneft-212 was carrying low-grade heavy fuel oil, known as mazut, which poses a severe environmental risk. Video footage showed a black slick near the wreckage, but the full extent of the spill is not yet clear. Environmentalists warn that the oil spill threatens the already fragile marine ecosystem of the Black Sea.
The ship, built 55 years ago, was registered in St. Petersburg and recently refitted. Engineers had removed its central section, welding the bow and stern together, creating a vulnerable seam. This seam appears to have failed, causing the tanker to snap in half. Video showed crew members wearing lifejackets as waves battered the sinking vessel.
The second tanker, Volgoneft-239, built in 1973, carried four tonnes of fuel oil. It avoided sinking but remains grounded. Despite its smaller cargo, experts caution that any fuel spill could worsen the environmental situation, especially under stormy conditions.
Criticism Over Negligence and Outdated Vessels
Ukrainian officials accused Russia of recklessness for allowing outdated tankers to sail in severe weather. Ukrainian navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk said, “These are old tankers that shouldn’t have been at sea in such conditions.” He criticized Moscow for violating operating rules, which led to the accident.
The Black Sea, already impacted by war-related pollution, now faces further ecological strain. In June 2023, Russian forces destroyed the Kakhovka dam, releasing massive amounts of contaminated water into the Black Sea. The event devastated marine life, including fish, mussels, and crustaceans, and scientists recorded a spike in dolphin and porpoise deaths.
In response to the disaster, President Vladimir Putin ordered the government to form a working group to handle the rescue efforts and mitigate the oil spill. Russian investigators have launched criminal cases to examine possible safety violations. The incident highlights the ongoing risks posed by outdated maritime infrastructure and poor safety standards in the Black Sea region.