Russian oil spill sparks environmental crisis in Black Sea
From the Black Sea beaches in Krasnodar Krai, 7,275 tonnes of ground contaminated with fuel oil were removed following a spill from Russian tankers. The pollution covered 50 kilometres of coastline.
The Volgoneft tanker disaster in the Kerch Strait on December 15, 2024, resulted in about 40% of the 9,200-tonne fuel oil cargo spilling 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 Krasnodar Krai beaches. The pollution covered approximately 50 kilometres of coastline.
The authorities of Anapa, a city affected by the spill, have assured that air pollution levels do not exceed acceptable norms. However, residents in the region report an unpleasant odour that causes eye irritation and nausea. Rescuers and volunteers work in protective masks, and fuel oil has reappeared in 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 inflated. One volunteer reported a lack of equipment, with only two tractors seen along six 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 to 5 kilometres from the shore, but the wind drives it toward the land.
The portal "Vedomosti" reports that the number of water pollution incidents in Russia increased by 62% 2023 compared to 2022. Volgoneft 212 and Volgoneft 239 tankers are aging vessels from the 1960s and 1970s, carrying a shipment for the Russian Navy. According to Radio Svoboda, the ships had their identification systems turned off several days before the disaster.
