Russia declares state of emergency due to oil spill in the Black Sea

In mid-December 2024, a severe ecological disaster occurred in the Kerch Strait, which connects the Black Sea with the Sea of Azov. Following damage to two Russian oil tankers, thousands of tons of fuel oil spilled into the sea, prompting Russian authorities to declare a federal-level state of emergency.

Oil spill from tankers

On December 15, 2024, during a severe storm, two Russian tankers—Volgoneft-212 and Volgoneft-239—sustained significant damage in the Kerch Strait. The Volgoneft-212 broke into two parts, with its bow section sinking approximately 8 km from the shore. According to the Financial Times, one crew member died in the incident, while the remaining 13 were evacuated. The second tanker, Volgoneft-239, ran aground near the port of Taman, and its 14-member crew was safely rescued.

Both tankers were transporting a combined total of approximately 9,200 tons of fuel oil, a type of heavy heating oil. Preliminary estimates suggest that nearly 40% of the fuel (about 3,700 tons) leaked into the sea. The spill polluted over 55 km of coastline, primarily in the Anapa resort area in Krasnodar Krai.

Declaration of state of emergency

Initially, a state of emergency was declared by the regional authorities of Krasnodar Krai in response to the local scale of the disaster. However, due to its growing ecological and economic consequences, on December 26, 2024, the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations decided to introduce a federal-level state of emergency. The announcement was made by Minister Alexander Kurenkov, emphasizing the need to mobilize government funds and deploy additional federal resources and services for rescue and cleanup operations.

“Considering the current situation and based on the reports we have received, I propose classifying the tanker disaster in the Kerch Strait as a federal-level emergency and establishing a federal response level,” the minister stated. “This will enable the mobilization of additional forces and resources from federal executive authorities and state corporations, as well as provide necessary financial assistance to affected entities from the Russian government’s reserve fund.”

Rescue efforts along the kerch strait coast

The monitored area along the Krasnodar Krai coastline now spans 220 km. Cleanup operations are being carried out in five sectors: one in the Temryuk region and four near Anapa.

So far, approximately 30,000 tons of contaminated sand and soil have been collected, with over 23,500 tons transported to designated collection points. Surveys have been conducted over 295 square kilometers of the Kerch Strait, and more than 29,000 square meters of water have been cleaned. To contain the pollution, 450 meters of protective barriers have been deployed. In the port of Anapa, a coastal strip covering about 5 square kilometers has been cleaned. Thanks to volunteers’ efforts, 1,154 birds affected by the disaster have been rescued.

Over 10,000 people, including volunteers, are involved in the rescue operations, supported by 360 units of equipment. Special emphasis has been placed on additional engineering machinery. Support points providing food, heating, and distribution of equipment and personal protective gear have been organized for those involved in the efforts.