Russia's Emergency Situations Ministry revealed on Sunday that two Russian cargo ships carrying oil products are in danger in the Kerch Strait, a waterway between mainland Russia and annexed Crimea, due to bad weather.
One of the vessels, the Volgoneft 212, ran aground and suffered damage that led its crew to call for help.
A helicopter rescue team was dispatched to the scene, evacuating all 13 crew members on board. The ministry confirmed one death from the incident.
In the same region, a second ship, the Volgoneft 239, was left adrift after suffering damage. The ship has 14 crew members on board and rescue operations are ongoing.
”The operational headquarters is functioning. More than 50 specialists and 11 teams are already participating in the response. More information is being clarified,” the ministry said in a statement.
Authorities are assessing the extent of any possible oil spill caused by the incidents.
According to CNN, unverified videos shared on Russian and Ukrainian Telegram channels allegedly show a large cargo ship split in two, with turbulent waves lashing it.
Footage shows the bow of a ship partially submerged and separated from the main structure, and crew members are seen wearing life jackets.
While Ukraine has repeatedly attacked Russian infrastructure near Crimea in its efforts to reclaim territory annexed by Russia in 2014, there are currently no indications that the incidents are related to military activities.
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