Greenpeace has issued a stark warning about an impending environmental catastrophe in the Kerch Strait following the sinking of two Russian oil tankers during a severe storm. The spill involves an estimated 4,300 tonnes of fuel oil, with the potential for additional leaks of other petroleum products. The incident, which occurred in a strategically sensitive and ecologically vulnerable area connecting the Black and Azov Seas, has raised urgent concerns about the long-term environmental and economic impacts.
Details of the Incident
The two tankers, Volgoneft-212 and Volgoneft-239, were reportedly carrying fuel for the Russian navy. Both vessels were caught in stormy conditions, leading to significant structural damage and eventual spills. According to Greenpeace Ukraine, the tankers’ Automatic Identification System (AIS), used to track maritime vessels, had been switched off for 12 days prior to the accident.
Tracking data from early October shows the tankers’ route starting in Volgograd on the Volga River and ending in the Kerch Strait. This area is a critical maritime chokepoint and an ecologically sensitive zone, hosting diverse marine ecosystems that are highly vulnerable to pollution.
The Kerch Strait has been a focal point of environmental and geopolitical tension, with increased militarisation and shipping activity in recent years. Greenpeace attributes the risk of such disasters to the lack of adequate safety measures and growing industrial and military operations in the region.
Environmental Risks
Paul Johnston, head of Greenpeace’s research laboratories at the University of Exeter, outlined the potential for extensive environmental damage. “The spilled oil is likely to be carried northeast by prevailing winds and currents,” he explained. “Containment under these conditions will be exceptionally challenging, and if the oil reaches the shoreline, cleanup efforts could take years.”
The impact of the spill will depend on the type of oil involved. Johnston noted that heavy residual products like fuel oil, which were reportedly onboard, pose severe threats to marine and coastal ecosystems. Such oil tends to persist in the environment, smothering marine fauna, contaminating shorelines, and causing long-lasting damage.
“If the tankers sink completely, we could see a protracted release of oil and other hazardous substances, leading to an ongoing environmental crisis,” Johnston warned.
Greenpeace Ukraine also highlighted the parallels to a 2007 oil spill in the same region. In that incident, a Russian tanker leaked 1,200 tonnes of fuel oil near Tuzla Island, causing severe ecological damage that persisted for over a year.
Humanitarian and Rescue Operations
Rescue operations for the crews of the tankers have faced significant challenges due to harsh weather conditions and the complexity of the situation.
On Volgoneft-212, all 13 crew members were rescued, with two—including the captain—in critical condition and receiving treatment in intensive care. The remaining 11 crew members are being treated for frostbite at a hospital in Anapa.
In contrast, rescue efforts for Volgoneft-239 were suspended due to worsening weather and darkness. The ship remains grounded, but all 14 crew members are reported to be safe. The vessel’s generator and water systems are operational, providing essential resources for the crew until further rescue efforts can resume.
Criticism of Response Measures
Greenpeace Ukraine has criticised the Russian authorities for their inadequate response to the spill and their apparent lack of preparedness for such incidents.
“While it is unlikely that Russian officials will take meaningful action to mitigate the damage, we will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates,” the organisation stated.
This criticism is echoed by environmental experts, who argue that Russia’s increased militarisation of the Black and Azov Seas has diverted attention away from critical environmental safeguards. The failure to enforce stringent safety measures for vessels carrying hazardous cargo has led to repeated ecological crises in the region.
Broader Implications
The Kerch Strait is an area of high environmental significance, serving as a migratory route for marine life and supporting numerous species that are sensitive to pollution. The ongoing spill threatens to disrupt these ecosystems, potentially impacting fisheries and coastal communities that rely on the health of the marine environment.
In addition to the ecological consequences, the spill could have significant economic repercussions. Fishing, tourism, and shipping industries in the region may suffer long-term damage, compounding the already precarious economic situation in the area.
The incident also underscores the broader risks associated with transporting hazardous materials in areas prone to severe weather and geopolitical tensions. Environmental organisations have called for stronger international oversight and stricter enforcement of maritime safety regulations to prevent similar disasters in the future.
Looking Ahead
Greenpeace is urging immediate action to contain the spill and prevent further environmental damage. However, containment efforts are likely to be hampered by the ongoing storm, logistical challenges, and the complexity of the spill’s location.
Experts stress that even with the best efforts, the region could face years of ecological recovery. The situation highlights the urgent need for enhanced safety protocols and a shift in focus toward protecting fragile marine ecosystems in conflict-affected areas like the Kerch Strait.
As rescue operations continue and monitoring efforts intensify, the full scale of the disaster and its implications for the region will become clearer in the weeks and months ahead.
