Two Russian cargo ships in distress in Crimea for storms

Two Russian cargo ships in distress in Crimea for storms

In the street of Kerch between the mainland Russia and the annexed Crimea, two Russian cargo ships are in trouble after bad weather, as the country's Ministry announced on Sunday.

aid assignments for the affected ships

A rescue team with a helicopter was sent to the location of one of the damaged ships, the "Volgoneft 212", which requested help after the basic running. The ship's 13-member crew was evacuated, according to the ministry. Unfortunately, it is also known that a person has died.

further damage and rescue actions

A second cargo ship, the "Volgoneft 239", drove around in the same region after damage. There are 14 people on board this ship. "The operational headquarters are in operation. More than 50 specialists and 11 devices are already at the site," said the ministry in a statement. Further information would still be determined, the Ministry added.

doom and oil protection measures

The ministry also found that the extent of a possible oil escape is currently evaluated. An unofficial video that is spread on Ukrainian and Russian Telegram channels apparently shows a large cargo ship that has broken into two parts, while water runs over the upper edge of the ship and it is rocked back and forth by restless waves.

security measures and video seals

The bow of the ship can be seen in the background of the video, which has broken off and remains visible just above the waterline. The crew members wear lifeguards while the camera turns. However, CNN could not independently verify the exact location of the video.

context and conflict situation

Ukraine has regularly targeted Russian infrastructure in or near the Crimea, an area that she wants to win back after it was illegally annexed by Russia in 2014. However, there is no evidence that the incidents are related to conflicts.