Russian tanker spill in Kerch strait sparks ecological crisis

On Sunday, two Russian tankers—Volgoneft 212 and Volgoneft 239—broke in half in the Kerch Strait, which connects the Black Sea with the Azov Sea. The disaster was likely caused by a storm. Both tankers are very old, built in the late 1960s and early 1970s. So far, Russian authorities have reported the death of one sailor.

As a result, 4,300 tons (about 4,740 US tons) of heavy fuel oil and possibly other petroleum products are currently leaking into the waters of the Kerch Strait, which connects the Black and Azov Seas, according to an environmental protection organization.

Both tankers were carrying a shipment intended for the Russian fleet.

Any oil or petroleum product spill into these waters could have serious consequences. The slick formed by these substances on the water's surface will move northeast and will be extremely difficult to contain under the current weather conditions. If it reaches the shore, it will cause coastal pollution, Greenpeace reports.

The organization adds that the environmental impact will depend on the type of substances leaking from the ships.

- Heavy petroleum products, such as heavy fuel oil, usually have a very harmful impact on marine fauna. Considering this, efforts should focus on trying to minimize further leakage, suggests Dr. Paul Johnston, a representative of the organization.

Greenpeace reminds readers that in 2007, a Russian tanker in the Kerch Strait also caused a disaster. From it, 1,200 tons (about 1,320 US tons) of heavy fuel oil leaked, and the effects were noticeable even a year later.