Black Sea oil spill: Ecological crisis escalates in Kerch Strait

Because Russia militarised the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, a significant ecological disaster has occurred. The Ukrainian branch of Greenpeace reported that on Sunday, two Russian tankers were involved in an accident in the Kerch Strait, which connects both bodies of water. As a consequence of this incident, several thousand tonnes of fuel oil began 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 tonnes of fuel oil entered the waters. In addition, other petroleum products reportedly leaked into the environment.

Greenpeace warns that oil and petroleum product spills could have serious environmental consequences. The oil slick is moving northeast, and its containment is extremely difficult under the current weather conditions. If it reaches the shore, the land will also become contaminated.

Dr Paul Johnston from Greenpeace emphasises that heavy petroleum products, such as fuel oil, negatively impact marine fauna. The organisation has also called for measures to minimise further leakage.

Greenpeace also reminds us that in 2007, a similar though smaller disaster occurred in the same location. At that time, 1,300 tonnes of fuel oil leaked into the environment, and its effects could be observed even a year later.

Greenpeace highlights the necessity of taking immediate action to protect the natural environment. The fuel oil spill poses a threat not only to marine fauna but could also cause long-term contamination of the coastline. The organisation appeals for international cooperation to prevent further ecological disasters in the region.