In the Cape Pangi shore area of the Krasnodar region, observers reported fragments of petroleum products washing up along the coastline in recent days. The information came through a Telegraph channel that is typically used for official updates in the region. The incident appears to involve tanker operations near the shore, with early chatter describing how some material was found scattered along the waterline and in nearby shallows.
Volgonft-239 was identified near the stern section of the tanker along the shore corridor. The debris were collected in bags and promptly removed from the site as part of the immediate response to the spill. Local crews worked to secure the area and prevent further discharge from the vessel while authorities assessed the situation and coordinated cleanup efforts with regional services.
Kuban regional authorities reported that Morspasselia employees were monitoring the water area around the clock and acted quickly to remove residual petroleum products from the surface. Where oil films appeared on land, responders deployed a biosorbent material to absorb the slick and reduce the risk of spreading to adjacent ecosystems. The coordinated action aimed to minimize shoreline contamination and protect nearby habitats while additional measures were prepared for deeper-water response if needed.
In mid-December 2024, the Kerch Strait became the focus of a major spill involving Volgonft-212 and Volgonft-239 tankers carrying petroleum products. Weather conditions at the time were cited as a key factor, with a strong wind and high seas contributing to the release. Official briefings estimated that thousands of tons of fuel entered the Black Sea, with the figure approaching 3,800 tons according to the Ministry of Emergency Situations. The slicks were detected moving toward the beaches of Anapa and the Temryuk region, with subsequent reach extending toward Crimea. Environmental researchers warn that the consequences of the spill could persist for years, as portions of fuel settle into the seabed and may reappear as seabed sediments are stirred by warming waters in seasonal cycles. In response, authorities intensified containment, shoreline cleanup, and continuous monitoring to track the spread and protect vulnerable wildlife and coastal communities. The situation underscored the vulnerability of coastal ecosystems to tanker incidents and the importance of rapid, well-coordinated response measures across agencies and operators. These efforts aim to prevent long-term damage to fisheries, tourism, and local livelihoods while teams work to restore affected areas and restore public confidence in maritime safety. (Attribution: Ministry of Emergency Situations; regional environmental agencies.)
Earlier communications from the Russian Ministry of Transport indicated that the tanker Volgonft-239 was being dismantled as part of the investigation and ongoing response. The statement reflected a shift from immediate containment to structural and procedural reviews intended to prevent recurrence. Authorities emphasized that the cleanup would be followed by thorough examinations of vessel performance, port procedures, and shoreline protection protocols to bolster resilience against future spills. The public briefings also noted ongoing coordination with port authorities, coast guard services, and environmental agencies to ensure comprehensive monitoring and rapid adaptive actions should conditions change. (Attribution: Ministry of Transport.)