Black Sea Beaches Drenched In Oil After Storm Destroys Tankers In Kerch Strait

A massive oil spill has polluted Russia’s Black Sea coast after two old tankers were destroyed in a severe storm. Over 60 kilometres of the shoreline between Temryuk and Anapa have been covered with oil.

The disaster began when the Russian tanker Volgoneft 212, carrying over 4,000 tons of oil, broke into two parts during the storm in the Kerch Strait.

Another tanker, Volgoneft 239, ran aground nearby, adding to the oil spill. A third tanker, Volgoneft 109, managed to avoid serious damage, and its crew was safe.

The storm caused large amounts of oil to wash ashore, turning once-beautiful beaches into blackened, polluted areas. Cleanup teams, including volunteers and officials, are working hard to remove the thick oil. However, bad weather is slowing their progress.

Reports show that birds covered in oil are dying, and local wildlife is struggling to survive. Greenpeace Ukraine has confirmed bird deaths, while residents worry about the long-term harm to dolphins and other sea creatures in the area.

The tankers involved in the spill are over 50 years old and part of a fleet known for its poor condition. Experts have long warned about the dangers of using outdated ships, especially during bad weather.

Video Credits: Guardian News/YouTube

The Kerch Strait, where the spill occurred, is an important area for marine life. Dmitry Glazov, a marine biologist, has said the spill will seriously harm the environment and could take years to recover.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticised Russia, accusing it of neglecting safety rules and calling the spill an “environmental disaster.” He also urged the international community to take action against Russia for using old tankers.

Russian authorities have declared a state of emergency in several areas, including the Temryuk and Anapa districts. Officials confirmed that more than 30 kilometres of coastline are heavily polluted.

Governor Veniamin Kondratiev said cleanup work is ongoing but admitted that it could take a long time, especially with the bad weather making things worse.

The Kerch Strait is a key route for ships and a sensitive area for wildlife. The oil spill not only harms the environment but also raises political tensions, as the area is already affected by the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Experts are worried about the long-term effects on sea life, especially dolphins and fish that live or migrate through the area.

References: Reuters, CNN

Source: Maritime Shipping News