Two Russian tankers that sank in the Kerch Strait may cause an ecological disaster.

In the waters of the Kerch Strait, an accident involving two Russian tankers occurred, resulting in the spill of 4300 tons of fuel oil and possibly other oil products. This was reported by the organization 'Greenpeace Ukraine'.

Both tankers were intended to supply fuel to the Russian fleet, and the vessel tracking system had been turned off for 12 days. According to 'Greenpeace', the delivery route began in Volgograd and ended in the Kerch Strait.

Paul Johnston, head of research laboratories at Greenpeace based at the University of Exeter in the UK, noted that any oil or oil product spill in these waters could have serious consequences.

'The spill will likely be determined by the prevailing wind and currents, which are currently moving northeast, and under the current weather conditions it will be extremely difficult to localize. If contamination reaches the shore, it will lead to shoreline pollution that will be very difficult to clean up. The impact on the environment will depend on the type of spilled oil. Heavy residual oil products, such as fuel oil, typically have a more noticeable impact, including on marine fauna.'

The organization 'Greenpeace' reminded that a similar accident had previously occurred in this region, resulting in fuel oil spilling from a Russian tanker, causing significant harm to nature, with visible effects being observed even a year after the incident.

'Although Russian officials are likely not going to minimize the environmental impact, we will continue to monitor the situation,' the organization stated.

It is also reported that 13 sailors were rescued from the tanker 'Volgoneft 212'. The captain of the tanker 'Volgoneft 212' managed to survive, and he, along with another crew member, is in the intensive care unit. All 13 people who were on board this vessel received assistance, 11 of them are in the hospital with frostbite.

The rescue operation for the crew of the tanker 'Volgoneft 239' has been suspended due to bad weather conditions and darkness. All 14 persons who were on board this vessel are alive and well. There is a diesel generator, water, and lighting on board.

It is also reported that a floating crane sank in the Black Sea near Yalta.