---
title: "Russian Oil Tankers Break Apart in Black Sea Raising Environmental Disaster Fears"
publisher: "Stockmark.IT"
author: "Stockmark.IT Website"
published: "2024-12-16T06:52:59+00:00"
modified: "2024-12-16T06:52:59+00:00"
date: 2024-12-16
canonical: "https://stockmark.it/russian-oil-tankers-break-apart-in-black-sea-raising-environmental-disaster-fears/"
category: "Environment"
categories: ["Environment", "Oil Producer"]
image: "https://i0.wp.com/stockmark.it/wp-content/uploads/stencil.default-2024-12-16T065232.201.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&quality=89&ssl=1"
format: "news"
language: "en-GB"
---

# Russian Oil Tankers Break Apart in Black Sea Raising Environmental Disaster Fears

**Published:** December 16, 2024
**Author:** Stockmark.IT Website
**Categories:** Environment, Oil Producer
**Featured image:** ![Abstract image of swirling oil slicks in dark water, resembling an environmental disaster. from Stockmark.it](https://i0.wp.com/stockmark.it/wp-content/uploads/stencil.default-2024-12-16T065232.201.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&quality=89&ssl=1)

---

Two Russian petroleum tankers faced catastrophic incidents in the Black Sea on Sunday, prompting serious environmental concerns and emergency response efforts. The Volgodonsk 212 carrier, transporting 4,300 tonnes of fuel oil, suffered a devastating structural failure approximately 8km from the shoreline in the Kerch Strait, resulting in its prow breaking away and sinking.

The maritime disaster claimed at least one crew member’s life, whilst 13 others were evacuated, with 11 requiring hospitalisation for hypothermia. Two crew members remain in serious condition, according to emergency services reports. The incident was compounded when a second vessel, the Volgodonsk 239, carrying similar cargo, ran aground merely 80 metres from the port of Taman.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has mobilised a cabinet-level working group to coordinate rescue operations and manage the environmental fallout. Emergency services have observed an expanding oil slick surrounding the Volgodonsk 212, though precise spillage quantities remain undetermined. Social media footage revealed the vessel splitting apart amidst heavy waves, with surrounding waters visibly contaminated.

Both vessels, constructed in the early 1980s, were primarily designed for river navigation, venturing into coastal waters only during favourable conditions. Officials have launched an investigation focusing on potential crew error and storm damage as contributing factors to the disasters.

The Kerch Strait, a crucial waterway for Russia’s agricultural and energy exports, including grain from occupied Ukrainian territory, has been under Moscow’s control since the 2014 annexation of Crimea. Ukrainian authorities continue to dispute Russia’s exclusive rights to the strait, citing violations of international law.

---

**Original URL:** https://stockmark.it/russian-oil-tankers-break-apart-in-black-sea-raising-environmental-disaster-fears/
*Created by [WP Markdown Endpoint](https://wpmarkdownendpoint.com/)*