Russian tanker disaster dumps 4,800 tons of oil into sea
Russia's militarization of the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov has caused an ecological disaster. According to Greenpeace, on Sunday, two tankers in the Kerch Strait caused thousands of tons of fuel oil to be released into the water.
The Ukrainian branch of Greenpeace reported this serious ecological disaster. On Sunday, two Russian tankers were involved in an accident in the Kerch Strait, which connects both bodies of water. As a result of the incident, several thousand tons of fuel oil started leaking into the water.
The disaster occurred in the Kerch Strait, where two tankers, Volgoneft 212 and Volgoneft 239, broke in half. These ships, built in the 1960s and 1970s, were reportedly in poor technical condition. Russian authorities confirmed the death of one sailor. Approximately 4,800 tons of fuel oil entered the water. In addition, other petroleum products are believed to have leaked into the environment.
Greenpeace warns that the spill of oil and petroleum products could have serious consequences for the environment. The oil slick is moving northeast, and under the current weather conditions, its containment is extremely difficult. If it reaches the shore, the land will also become contaminated.
Impact on marine fauna
Dr. Paul Johnston from Greenpeace emphasizes that heavy petroleum products, such as fuel oil, negatively impact marine fauna. The organization has also appealed for actions to minimize further leakage.
Greenpeace also reminds us that in 2007, a similar, though smaller, disaster occurred in the same location. At that time, 1,300 tons of fuel oil leaked into the environment, and its effects could be observed even a year later.
Greenpeace emphasizes the need for immediate action to protect the natural environment. The fuel oil spill threatens marine fauna and could long-term contaminate the coastline. The organization appeals for international cooperation to prevent further regional ecological disasters.
