Two Russian oil tankers were damaged in a storm in the Black Sea, raising concerns about a potential oil spill, though this has not been confirmed. An oil slick was reportedly observed near one of the tankers.
According to Russian news agency Interfax, the vessels sustained damage in the Kerch Strait, located between mainland Russia and the occupied Crimea, approximately eight kilometers off the coast. The storm reportedly broke off the bow of one ship.
Thirteen people were aboard one tanker, and fourteen on the other. The latter is currently adrift towards the Taman Peninsula, east of the Kerch Strait.
Russian authorities reported one fatality on one of the ships. They also stated the tankers were damaged by strong winds and waves up to seven meters high, dismissing any attack.
Emergency services are attempting evacuations, using helicopters, according to Interfax.
Source: NOS