Two old Russian tankers, carrying thousands of tonnes of oil, have been severely damaged in a storm in the Kerch Strait.
The Volgoneft-212 tanker split in half after being hit by a large wave. Video footage shows the bow visible in the water and black oil surrounding the destruction. The second tanker, Volgoneft-239, then drifted into the same area shortly afterwards due to storm damage.
The Kerch Strait has served as a crucial logistical and transport hub for Russia since the second world war. In 2023, Ukraine attacked the Kerch Strait bridge, forcing Russia to rely on land routes to supply frontlines.
