A catastrophic oil spill in the Black Sea has led to the deaths of over 20 dolphins and porpoises, alongside severe environmental damage. This disaster occurred on December 15th when two Russian oil tankers, the Volgoneft-212 and Volgoneft-239, were struck by a storm in the Kerch Strait near Crimea.
The tankers were carrying 9,200 tons of fuel, with approximately 4,500 tons spilling into the sea. Russian authorities have declared a state of emergency, warning of 'severe environmental damage' as efforts to contain the spill continue.
In response to this ecological crisis, over 10,000 volunteers have mobilized to the affected area, working to rescue wildlife and clean up contaminated beaches. However, despite their efforts, officials report that the oil keeps reappearing, complicating cleanup operations.
The Delfa Dolphin Rescue Centre has reported the removal of deceased dolphins, confirming that the oil spill was fatal for these marine mammals. Seabirds coated in oil are also being treated by dedicated volunteers.
Despite the large number of volunteers, Russian scientists express frustration over the lack of adequate equipment, stating that more heavy machinery is needed to effectively tackle the environmental disaster.
The sandy beaches around Anapa, a popular tourist destination, are heavily contaminated, prompting health warnings for the public to avoid the area.