Oil Spill in Black Sea Kills Dozens of Dolphins

A tanker accident in December caused a major environmental disaster, spilling heavy oil and harming marine life and coastal ecosystems.

Two Russian oil tankers capsized in mid-December during severe weather in the Kerch Strait, spilling large amounts of heavy oil into the Black Sea.
At least 32 dolphins, primarily Asov dolphins, have been confirmed dead due to the spill, with more marine life feared to be impacted.
Cleanup efforts are ongoing, with over 68 kilometers of coastline affected and thousands of volunteers working to remove oil and save wildlife.
Environmental groups report high mortality rates among rescued birds, alleging mishandling during treatment, though authorities dispute these claims.
Strong winds and waves continue to hinder cleanup operations as oil patches persistently wash ashore along the Krasnodar region and Crimea.