Russian tanker spill devastates Black Sea coastline and wildlife

The Volgoneft tanker disaster in the Kerch Strait occurred on 15 December 2024. About 40% of the 9,200-tonne cargo of fuel oil spilled into the Black Sea. The Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations reported that by Friday morning, 7,275 tonnes of contaminated soil had been collected from the beaches in Krasnodar Krai. The pollution covered about 50 kilometres of coastline.

The authorities in Anapa, a city affected by the spill, assured residents that air pollution levels did not exceed acceptable limits. However, locals report an unpleasant odour that causes eye irritation and nausea. Rescuers and volunteers wear protective masks, and fuel oil has reappeared on some cleaned sections.

Volunteers fear that this is not the end of the problems. They are concerned that the fuel settled on the seabed will surface as temperatures rise.

Although local media claim that 6,000 people are involved in the cleanup operation, volunteers believe this number is exaggerated. One volunteer reported a lack of equipment, with only two tractors seen along a section about 6.5 kilometres of the shore. Local media are calling for support for the volunteers.

The effects of the Russian disaster will also impact local wildlife. Dozens of dead seabirds and two dolphins have been found. Environmental expert Dmitriy Shevchenko warns that the mute swans wintering in the region are also at risk. Satellite images show the main oil spill is 3-5 kilometres from the shore, but the wind drives it towards the land.

The portal Vedomosti reports that the number of water pollution incidents in Russia increased by 62% in 2023 compared to 2022. Volgoneft 212 and Volgoneft 239 tankers are ageing vessels from the 1960s and 1970s. They were carrying a shipment for the Russian Navy. According to Radio Svoboda, the ships had their identification systems turned off several days before the disaster.