Russian Vessel Split into Two Pieces in Kerch Strait, Oil Spilled

A Russian tanker carrying oil split into two pieces in Kerch Strait on Sunday and went aground, with the oil getting spilled in the waters.

According to reports by news organisations, the 136-metre tanker named Volgoneft 212, built in 1969, had 15 people on board when the incident took place, reportedly due to a heavy storm. One person died and the rest of them have been rescued safely, reports said. The tanker was carrying 4,200 tonnes of oil products when it ran aground, as per reports quoting Russian officials.

Another vessel, the 132-metre Volgoneft 239, which too had been badly affected by the storm in in Kerch Strait, however, managed to survive the disaster. Aboard were 14 people, all of who are safe. Both the tankers were carrying petroleum products. The Russian has ordered a probe into the twin incidents.