Two Russian fuel oil tankers crash in Kerch Strait

The Russian Emergencies Ministry, Telegram channels, and media outlets reported the incident.

One of the tankers, Volgoneft-212, was transporting about 4,300 tonnes of fuel oil, and at least 4,000 tonnes leaked, creating a large oil slick. 

"Early this morning, we received a report that 8 kilometers before the Kerch Strait, the fuel oil tanker Volgoneft 212, registered in St. Petersburg, was in trouble," a source from Interfax quoted emergency services.

Later reports revealed that two tankers were sinking in the Kerch Strait. 

Mash reported that after the Volgoneft-212, the Volgoneft-239 also split in two after being struck by a wave. Russian rescuers confirmed that the tanker had 14 crew members and oil products on board.

Sailors say this issue has plagued ships converted from full-fledged tankers to the "river-sea" class in the 1990s. Over the past 30 years, 1,097 crew members working on such "homemade" vessels have reportedly died.

By 12:27, Russia's ministry reported that the Volgoneft-212 had run aground after sustaining damage, while the Volgoneft-239 was drifting.

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