Two oil tankers are sinking in the Kerch Strait, a key waterway that connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Azov, causing a major emergency. The tankers, named Volganeft 212 and Volganeft 239, sent out distress signals asking for help as powerful winds and huge waves slammed into them. There were 29 crew members on board both vessels at the time.
The trouble began several kilometers from the coast of the Black Sea, where the storm made the sea rough and dangerous. The Volganeft 212, which was carrying over 4,000 tons of fuel oil, got stuck on the shore and ran aground. The Volganeft 239, however, is still drifting after suffering serious damage.
Emergency rescue teams rushed to the scene, with helicopters flying out to help the crew. But the bad weather has made their efforts extremely difficult. A rescue boat has also been sent to the area, and so far, 13 crew members have been saved. Unfortunately, it’s been confirmed that one crew member has died in the disaster.
Early reports suggest that one of the tankers may have split in half after the storm caused it to crash onto the shore. Russia’s Southern Transport Prosecutor’s Office has launched an investigation into what happened.
The situation is tense, with the rescue teams working against the clock and battling the harsh weather to save more lives. The incident has raised concerns about the dangers of stormy seas and the safety of oil shipments in this busy waterway.
