Two Russian oil tankers have been badly damaged in the Black Sea, causing an oil spill, authorities have said.
Footage released by Russia’s Southern Transport Prosecutor’s Office showed the bow of one tanker completely broken off, with streaks of oil visible in the water.
Both tankers are believed to have drifted before running aground offshore. At least one crew member was reportedly killed.
The incident took place in the Kerch Strait, which separates Russia from Crimea.
A rescue operation involving tugboats, helicopters and more than 50 personnel saw 13 crew members rescued from one tanker, before being suspended due to bad weather.
The 14 remaining crew members aboard the second tanker are said to have “everything necessary for immediate life support” on board with them, but look set to be stranded until conditions improve.
President Vladimir Putin has ordered a working group to be set up to deal with the incident, headed by Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Savelyev – and authorities are investigating for criminal negligence.
