Two Russian oil tankers have been severely damaged in the Black Sea, resulting in an oil spill, according to Russian officials.

Footage released by the Southern Transport Prosecutor’s Office shows one tanker split in half, with visible oil streaks in the water.

The incident occurred in the Kerch Strait, which separates Russia from Crimea, a region annexed by Moscow in 2014.

Reports indicate that both tankers drifted before running aground. Tragically, at least one crew member has been reported dead.

A rescue operation involving tugboats, helicopters, and over 50 personnel successfully evacuated 13 crew members from one vessel, but the operation was halted due to poor weather conditions.

The remaining 14 crew members aboard the second tanker are reportedly equipped with necessary supplies for survival but are expected to remain stranded until conditions improve.

In response, President Vladimir Putin has ordered the establishment of a working group led by Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Savelyev to manage the situation, while authorities investigate potential criminal negligence.

The tankers, owned by Volgatanker, were relatively small, each carrying approximately 4,300 dead weight tonnes of oil.

This is significantly less than the typical capacity of larger tankers used for international oil trade, which can carry around 120,000 dead weight tonnes.

The Kerch Strait is a vital route for Russian grain exports and the transportation of crude oil and liquefied natural gas.

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This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding maritime safety in the region, especially given past incidents such as the 2007 wreck of the Volgoneft-139, which spilled over 1,000 tonnes of oil during a storm.

The situation arises amid continued international sanctions against Russian oil exports following the country’s invasion of Ukraine.