Russia Declares State of Emergency as Black Sea Oil Spill Worsens

The Krasnodar region in southern Russia has declared a state of Emergency following the major Black Sea oil spill escalating in its coastline. The crisis began on December 15, when two aging tankers encountered severe weather in the Black Sea. One vessel, the Volgoneft-239, split in half, while the other ran aground, releasing large quantities of oil into the water.

However, the oil continues to wash ashore, ten days after the incident, prompting regional authorities to declare a state of emergency across the Krasnodar region.

The decision was announced by Governor Veniamin Kondratiev, marking an escalation from an earlier municipal-level emergency declaration. The pollution has heavily impacted Anapa and Temryuk districts, areas known for their sandy beaches and popularity as summer resorts.

The spill has had devastating effects on local wildlife, with reports of seabirds, dolphins, and porpoises suffering from the contamination. Clean-up efforts are underway, involving over 10,000 volunteers and specialists working tirelessly to mitigate the damage. So far, 25 tons of oil-water sludge have been removed from the coastline, but the task is far from complete.

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Governor Kondratiev highlighted the unpredictability of the situation, noting how changing weather patterns are complicating recovery efforts.

“Initially, scientists and specialists believed that most of the fuel oil would settle at the bottom of the Black Sea, making it easier to collect,” he explained on Telegram. “However, with rising temperatures, oil products have surfaced, and ocean currents are now carrying them onto our beaches.”

The clean-up operation has covered an extensive area, surveying over 256 square kilometers of the coastal region. Authorities have also discovered the bow of the Volgoneft-239 submerged underwater. Divers are set to inspect the wreckage for any further leaks, but rough weather has delayed their efforts.

Despite the challenges, the regional government is committed to restoring the coastline and minimizing the long-term environmental damage. The spill poses significant risks not only to marine life but also to Krasnodar’s tourism industry, which relies heavily on the pristine beaches of Anapa and surrounding areas.

Environmental experts are urging authorities to prioritize the maintenance and replacement of older vessels to prevent future spills. Meanwhile, local communities and volunteers continue their heroic efforts to clean up the beaches and protect wildlife.