By The Moscow Times | Created at 2024-12-15 12:25:19 | Updated at 2024-12-15 15:02:03
2 hours ago
Two Russian oil tankers carrying mazut, a low-quality heavy fuel oil, are sinking in the Kerch Strait in the Black Sea, the Russian Emergency Situations Ministry reported on Sunday.
One of the tankers, Volgoneft-212, was transporting approximately 4,300 tonnes of fuel oil. According to Telegram channel Mash, which is believed to have links to Russia’s security services, at least four thousand tonnes of fuel oil have spilled from it, creating a massive oil slick in the sea. The other, Volgoneft-239, was carrying an undisclosed amount.
The state-run TASS news agency reported that the two tankers had a combined crew of at least 29 members.
At least 13 sailors have been rescued, TASS reported. One was confirmed dead.
According to preliminary reports, the whereabouts of four people remain unknown, emergency services told the Interfax news agency.
The rescue operation is ongoing, emergency services said.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Continue
Not ready to support today?
Remind me later.
