[Two Russian Cargo Ships in Distress after Bad Weather in Kerch Strait
Two Russian cargo ships carrying oil products are in distress after rough weather in the Kerch Strait between mainland Russia and annexed Crimea, according to Russia’s Ministry of Emergency Situations. The ministry reported that a helicopter rescue team has been sent to the site of one of the vessels, “Volgoneft 212,” which ran aground and suffered damage, prompting its 13-member crew to request assistance. One person has been confirmed dead.
The second cargo ship, “Volgoneft 239,” went adrift after sustaining damage in the same region and has 14 people on board. An operational headquarters has been established, with over 50 specialists and 11 units of equipment involved in the response. The extent of a possible oil spill is being assessed.
A video circulating on social media shows a large cargo ship appearing to be split in two, with water pouring over its deck as choppy waves rock it from side to side. Crew members can be seen wearing life jackets as the camera spins around. However, CNN is unable to independently verify the location of the video.
Ukraine has regularly targeted Russian infrastructure in or near Crimea, which it seeks to recapture after being annexed by Russia in 2014, but there is no indication that the incidents are conflict-related.
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