Two Russian tankers wreck in Kerch Strait: One crew member dies PHOTO

Two Russian tankers, Volgoneft-212 and Volgoneft-239, have suffered extensive damage and capsized in the Kerch Strait, located between mainland Russia and Crimea, due to severe weather conditions. 

One crew member from the Volgoneft-212 tanker has been confirmed dead, while the remaining crew members were safely evacuated, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

Both tankers, which were carrying significant amounts of fuel, were struck by powerful waves approximately 8 kilometres from shore, causing cracks in their hulls and leading to the vessels splitting in two. The Volgoneft-212 was carrying over four tons of fuel oil when it encountered distress. The second vessel, Volgoneft-239, is drifting, while one of the ships ran aground.

A large-scale rescue operation has been launched, with a Mi-8 helicopter from Russia’s Ministry of Emergency Situations and a tugboat from the Marine Rescue Coordination Center dispatched to the scene.

Both tankers had 13 crew members aboard, and by now, eight people had been rescued from the vessels. Fortunately, no other injuries have been reported among those rescued or still aboard.

The Federal Agency for Sea and Inland Water Transport (Rosmorrechflot) reported that the incident resulted in an oil spill, exacerbating the environmental disaster. Preliminary reports suggest that the storm was the cause of the collision, with the Volgoneft-212 gradually sinking, while the Volgoneft-239 remains afloat and is drifting toward the Taman Peninsula.

The Volgoneft-212 was en route from Volgograd to Port Kavkaz when the accident occurred.

By Khagan Isayev