Russian tanker splits in storm, spilling oil into Kerch Strait off Crimea
Russia mounted a rescue effort after two oil tankers were wrecked in rough seas, and one broke apart
A Russian oil tanker carrying thousands of tonnes of oil products split apart during a heavy storm on Sunday, spilling oil into the Kerch Strait, while another tanker was also in distress after sustaining damage, Russian officials said.
The vessels were in the Kerch Strait between mainland Russia and Crimea, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014, when they issued distress signals.
Russian investigators opened two criminal cases to look into possible safety violations after at least one person was killed when the 136-metre Volgoneft 212 tanker, with 15 people on board, split in half with its bow sinking.
Footage on state media showed waves washing over its deck.
The Russian-flagged vessel, built in 1969, was damaged and had run aground, officials said.
