Incidents in the Kerch Strait

Photo Credit: The Russian Southern Transport Prosecutor’s Office

The IOPC Funds is aware of the incidents which took place in the Kerch Strait on 15 December 2024 involving two Russian-registered vessels and has been closely monitoring developments.

It is reported that both tankers ran into difficulties during a heavy storm and that the Volgoneft 212 split in half and sank, resulting in the sad loss of life of one of its crew members.  A second vessel, the Volgoneft 239, ran aground shortly afterwards. Both vessels are reported to have been carrying heavy fuel oil at the time.  It is understood that oil can be seen in the areas surrounding the incident sites and that shorelines have begun to be impacted.

The IOPC Funds will continue to follow developments.