The two ships had 27 crew members on board when they called for help, the Russian Emergency Ministry has said
Two tankers carrying oil products are sinking in the Kerch Strait, connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Azov, according to the Russian Emergency Ministry.
The Volganeft 212 and the Volganeft 239 sent out distress signals and requested assistance amid turbulent weather, with high winds and powerful waves. The water transport agency has said a total of 29 crew members were on board the two vessels.
According to Russian media reports, powerful waves struck the tankers several kilometers off the Black Sea coast. The Volganeft 212, carrying more than 4,000 tons of fuel oil, has run aground, and the Volgoneft 239 is drifting after sustaining damage.
Emergency helicopters with rescuers on board flew to the Kerch Strait area to assist the vessels. Their efforts, however, have been hindered by worsening weather.
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A rescue boat has also been sent to the area. Nine crew members from the damaged tankers have so far been brought to safety, and no casualties have been reported, the Emergency Ministry said.
Preliminary findings suggest that one of the ships broke in half after the storm caused it to run ground. An investigation has been launched, Russia’s Southern Transport Prosecutor’s Office said.
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