At least 13 crewmen have been thrown overboard after a Russian oil tanker reportedly split in two as large waves battered the vessel off the coast of occupied Ukraine
A Russian oil tanker is “rapidly sinking” with 13 crewmen finding themselves overboard, according to reports.
The tanker Volgoneft-212 is understood to have broke in half amid large waves close to the shores of Kerch, off the coast of occupied Crimea. According to Russian outlet Mash, the ship rapidly started to sink.
It added the vessel was transporting 4,000 tonnes of fuel oil. A rescue operation is currently underway in the area.
A tugboat has since arrived at the site of the sinking and rescuers were reportedly attempting to lift crewmen aboard. A helicopter from the Russian Emergencies Ministry flew to help the crew in the Kerch Straight this morning.
Due to difficult weather conditions, a strong wind and large sea waves, the vessel ended up damaged – although it has not been specified how exactly and where the ship was damaged.
“There is a crew of 13 people onboard,” the Russian Emergencies Ministry for the disputed Republic of Crimea. “There are also oil products on the vessel, information about the spill is being clarified.”
The current conditions of everyone who was thrown overboard.
According to the Russian outlet, Volgoneft-212 was built 55 years ago.
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