Ecological disaster: Two Russian tankers sink, spilling 4,300 tons of oil

Two Russian tankers carrying over 4,300 tons of oil products sank in the Black Sea during a fierce storm, raising fears of a severe ecological disaster.

The Volgoneft-212 tanker snapped in half on Sunday after being hit by a powerful wave, leaving its bow sticking upright out of the water near Crimea’s eastern coast, about five miles from the Kerch Strait. The vessel was carrying 4,300 tons of heavy fuel oil, known as mazut. Russian emergency services deployed tugboats and a Mil Mi-8 helicopter to rescue the 13 crew members onboard.

Shortly after, another tanker, the Volgoneft-239, encountered similar difficulties in the same area. Carrying four tonnes of fuel oil, the vessel also sank. Dramatic video footage captured sailors from nearby vessels exclaiming, “Another ship is going down. Holy s**t!”

Ukraine accused Moscow of recklessness in allowing the aging vessels to sail during severe weather. Dmytro Pletenchuk, spokesperson for Ukraine’s navy, criticized Russia’s decision, stating, “These old tankers had no business at sea in such a storm. The Russians violated operational rules, and the result is a disaster.”

The Volgoneft-212, a 55-year-old vessel registered in St. Petersburg, had recently undergone modifications to weld its stern and bow together. This central seam appears to have been the weak point that led to the break.

Environmental experts warn that the spilled oil poses a significant threat to the Black Sea’s fragile marine ecosystem, already strained by the ongoing war. Video footage showed crew members in life jackets aboard the sinking ship, with black oil slicks spreading on the choppy waves.

* The Guardian contributed to this article.