Two Russian oil tankers have suffered severe damage in the Black Sea, leading to significant oil spills, according to Russian authorities. Footage released by the Southern Transport Prosecutor’s Office shows the bow of one vessel completely destroyed and visible oil slicks on the water. Both tankers are reported to have drifted ashore. Tragically, one crew member has been confirmed dead.

The incident occurred in the Kerch Strait, which separates Russia and Crimea. A rescue operation involving tugboats, helicopters, and over 50 personnel managed to save 13 crew members from one vessel. However, adverse weather conditions have delayed further rescue efforts. Fourteen crew members on the second tanker have essential survival supplies but may remain stranded until the weather improves.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has directed Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Savelyev to lead a response team to address the crisis. Authorities have also launched a criminal investigation into possible negligence.

The damaged vessels, owned by Russia’s Volgotanker, are relatively small, each carrying approximately 4,300 deadweight tons of oil. Lloyd’s List expert Michelle Wiese Bockmann noted that Russia typically uses larger tankers, around 120,000 deadweight tons, for international crude oil transport. These smaller tankers were likely transporting oil along Russia’s inland waterways or coastal areas.

The Kerch Strait is a vital route for Russia’s grain and oil exports, including crude oil, fuel oil, and liquefied natural gas. This region has experienced similar disasters in the past, including a 2007 storm that split the oil tanker Volgoneft-139, releasing over 1,000 tons of oil.

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, its oil exports have faced strict sanctions from Ukraine’s allies. Allegations of Russia using a “ghost fleet” of poorly maintained, uninsured tankers to circumvent these sanctions have emerged. However, Bockmann stated that the tankers involved in Sunday’s incident were unlikely part of this shadow fleet.