Storm Splits Oil Tanker VOLGONEFT 212 in Kerch Strait, Resulting in Fatalities and Oil Spill
The Russian oil tanker VOLGONEFT 212 broke apart in two during a severe storm as it was traveling through the Kerch Strait. The accident has led to the death of at least one crew member, with two still missing.
The incident occurred early in the morning on 15th December. The bow of the tanker sank, while the stern remained afloat for a while longer before succumbing to the storm. The ship is reported to have been carrying 4,300 tons of low-grade biofuel.
The vessel was reported to have 15 crew members on board, of which 12 have been rescued. Of these rescued individuals, two have been reported to be in serious medical condition. One sailor tragically lost his life in the incident, and two are still missing.
The breaking apart of a vessel typically causes large quantities of cargo to get released quickly. While there are no detailed reports of environmental damage available yet, an oil spill from the vessel has been confirmed.
President Vladimir Putin himself has sanctioned a working group to coordinate efforts to rescue sailors and mitigate environmental damage. The Russian Authorities have initiated a criminal investigation into the incident, spurred on by the fact that no plausible immediate explanations were given for such serious damage to the vessel.
The vessel is considerably old and was built in 1969. There have been a considerable number of similar maritime disasters that involved aging vessels that could not operate in challenging environments.
Incidentally, another vessel from the same operator, the VOLGONEFT 239, suffered damage and became adrift in the storm, eventually running aground. It was determined that the crew of 14 aboard the vessel were not in immediate danger and were left aboard the vessel till the storm subsided.
