Earth Science News
FROTH AND BUBBLE
Russia says oil spill 'critical' as Crimea declares emergency
Russia says oil spill 'critical' as Crimea declares emergency
by AFP Staff Writers
Moscow (AFP) Dec 28, 2024

Russia warned on Saturday of severe environmental damage from a huge oil spill in the Black Sea caused when two tankers collided in a storm near Crimea, which declared a state of emergency.

One tanker sank and another ran aground on December 15 in the Kerch Strait between Russia and the annexed Crimean peninsula.

Thousands of volunteers have been mobilised for clean-up operations that have been criticised as insufficent by some Russian scientists.

The tankers were carrying 9,200 tonnes of fuel oil, around 40 percent of which may have spilled into the sea, according to authorities.

"The situation is truly critical," said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, quoted by Russian press agencies.

"It is unfortunately impossible to calculate for the moment the extent of the environmental damage but specialists are working regularly on it," he said.

The Moscow-installed governor of Crimea, Sergei Aksionov, said on Telegram he had declared a state of emergency "because of the oil products spill in the Kerch Strait".

Russia's transport ministry insisted on Saturday that "all polluted aquatic areas that have been identified have been cleaned" and "no recurring pollution has been detected".

But Emergency Situations Minister Alexander Kurenkov was more cautious, saying: "The threat of a new fuel oil leak in the Black Sea from the tankers and spills on the coast persists".

President Vladimir Putin earlier this month called the oil spill an "ecological disaster".

Related Links
Our Polluted World and Cleaning It Up

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters
Tweet

RELATED CONTENT
The following news reports may link to other Space Media Network websites.
FROTH AND BUBBLE
Thousand people march against air pollution in Skopje
Skopje, Republic Of North Macedonia (AFP) Dec 28, 2024
Around a thousand people protested on Saturday in Skopje against air pollution in North Macedonia's capital, which often ranks among the most polluted cities in Europe. It was the second such demonstration in less than a month in Skopje, with the previous march involving a slightly smaller crowd of several hundred people. The participants of Saturday's march through downtown Skopje, dubbed "Come out for clean air", sought from the authorities to undertake immediate measures over the issue. ... read more

FROTH AND BUBBLE
Human civilization at a tipping point between authoritarian collapse and technological superabundance

What we know about disappearance of four Ecuadoran minors

Gaza hospital says three babies die of 'severe temperature drop'

Second Fukushima nuclear sample removal eyed for spring

FROTH AND BUBBLE
Transforming education with virtual reality and artificial intelligence

Unlocking new potential in 2D superconducting polymers

New method turns e-waste to gold

Materials with unexpected electronic properties found in twisted layers

FROTH AND BUBBLE
Three dead as massive waves slam Peru, Ecuador and Chile

Key public service makes quiet return in Gaza

Saving the mysterious African manatee at Cameroon hotspot

Australia agrees deal to strengthen Solomons police

FROTH AND BUBBLE
ESA and NASA collaborate to track Greenland ice sheet melting

Warmer winter melts incomes of China's ice cutters

Melting sea ice in Antarctica causes ocean storms, scientists say

Most arctic coastal infrastructure faces risk of instability by 2100

FROTH AND BUBBLE
The energy return on investment of global agriculture

China launches investigation into beef imports

Russia-Ukraine War's unexpected casualties: Hungry people in distant nations

Tunisia women herb harvesters struggle with drought and heat

FROTH AND BUBBLE
French premier promises concrete aid for cyclone-hit Mayotte

A fearful New Year in temporary homes after Japan quake

Tears, prayers as Asia mourns tsunami dead 20 years on

Turkey court jails hotel owner, architect in quake trial

FROTH AND BUBBLE
Guinea junta leader says 2025 a 'crucial electoral year'

10 civilians killed in 'accidential' Nigerian army strike

France hands over first base in Chad amid withdrawal

Digital Earth Africa launches coastal monitoring tool for informed decision making

FROTH AND BUBBLE
Catholics hold muted Christmas mass in Indonesia's Sharia stronghold

Travelers consider weight-based airfares for sustainable flights

US passes defense bill banning gender care for minors; UK to compensate LGBTQ veterans sacked

Earliest ritual space in southwest asia discovered in Galilee cave

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters




The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2024 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. All articles labeled "by Staff Writers" include reports supplied to Space Media Network by industry news wires, PR agencies, corporate press officers and the like. Such articles are individually curated and edited by Space Media Network staff on the basis of the report's information value to our industry and professional readership. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Statement Our advertisers use various cookies and the like to deliver the best ad banner available at one time. All network advertising suppliers have GDPR policies (Legitimate Interest) that conform with EU regulations for data collection. By using our websites you consent to cookie based advertising. If you do not agree with this then you must stop using the websites from May 25, 2018. Privacy Statement. Additional information can be found here at About Us.