Oil Spill in Black Sea Declared Emergency in Crimea as Cleanup Efforts Continue

A December tanker accident spilled heavy fuel oil near Crimea, prompting large-scale cleanup operations and raising ecological concerns.

Russian officials declared a state of emergency in Sevastopol and the broader Crimea region after oil from two storm-damaged tankers washed ashore.
The spill, involving approximately 2,400 metric tons of heavy M100-grade fuel oil, has contaminated beaches and soil across Crimea and Russia's Krasnodar region.
Cleanup efforts have removed over 86,000 tons of contaminated sand and soil, with environmental groups reporting harm to marine life, including dolphins and seabirds.
The aged tankers involved, both over 50 years old, highlight concerns about Russia's use of outdated vessels, described as a potential 'environmental time bomb' by experts.
Russian President Vladimir Putin called the spill an 'ecological disaster,' while Ukrainian officials criticized the use of unsafe tanker operations under Western sanctions.