The Russian tanker disaster and an oil leak in Kerch Strait: What it means

During wartime, the effects on the environment from such accidents are likely to be far worse than usual.

Two Russian ships damaged in stormy weather over the weekend have spilled about 3,700 tons (3,350 tonnes) of low-grade fuel into the Kerch Strait in Russian-occupied Crimea, Russian state media reported on Monday, threatening an environmental disaster in the biodiversity hotspot.

The vessels were carrying about 9,200 tons (8,300 tonnes) of mazut – a heavy, low-quality oil product that’s mainly used in power plants. The tankers were on their way to deliver fuel for the Russian Navy amid Russia’s war on Ukraine when they got caught in the bad weather and broke apart on Sunday. At least one crew member on one of the ships died in the storm, Russian authorities said.

Environmental experts have sounded the alarm on what they say could be a difficult spill to contain as videos emerge of oil-slicked birds and stretches of blackened shorelines. Ukraine, which claims the area as its territory, has accused Moscow of violating sea regulations by using old vessels, and is calling for international sanctions on Russia.

Here’s what we know about how the disaster happened and how its occurrence during wartime could mean much worse effects for the environment.

Two Russian tankers were damaged during a heavy storm in the Kerch Strait on Sunday, according to Russian officials.