Sinking Tankers "Volgoneft-212" and "Volgoneft-239": Disaster in the Kerch Strait

On the morning of December 15, 2024, the Kerch Strait witnessed a tragedy when two Russian tankers, "Volgoneft-212" and "Volgoneft-239," began to sink due to a severe storm. These events have drawn attention to maritime safety issues and the potential environmental consequences.

Sequence of Events

Volgoneft-212: This tanker, carrying around 4.3 thousand tons of fuel oil, split in half under the impact of powerful waves. There were 13 crew members onboard, some of whom were rescued, but there are reports of casualties and missing individuals.

Volgoneft-239: An hour after the incident with "Volgoneft-212," this tanker suffered the same fate, breaking into two pieces. It was reported to have a crew of 14, and at the time of writing, their fate has not been fully determined. The tanker either ran aground or drifted, further complicating the situation.

Environmental Impact

The spillage of fuel oil poses a significant threat to the ecology of the Black Sea. Under the conditions of harsh weather and oil spill, the consequences could be long-term, affecting marine flora and fauna as well as coastal areas.

Rescue Operations

Russia's Emergency Situations Ministry, along with rescue teams and helicopters, were immediately dispatched to the scene. Rescuers worked in extreme conditions to evacuate people from the distressed tankers. However, the data on those rescued and injured remain conflicting.

Causes of the Disaster

Preliminary theories point to crew errors in challenging weather conditions and issues related to the technical condition of the vessels. Both "Volgonefts" were old, with modifications made in the 1990s, which might have contributed to their destruction under large waves.

The disaster involving "Volgoneft-212" and "Volgoneft-239" raises questions about the safety of maritime transportation, especially when old ships with not entirely reliable repairs are used. It also underscores the need for stricter oversight of tanker conditions carrying hazardous cargo and for enhancing measures to prevent environmental disasters.