Kerch Strait
11/11/2007
Black Sea
The incident
On 10 and 11 November 2007 a severe storm (winds up to 110 km/h, waves of 5 m) hit the Kerch Strait (Between Russia and Ukraine). 4 vessels (1 oil tanker and 3 bulk carriers) sank. The oil tanker Volgoneft-139 spilled1,300 tonnes of heavy fuel oil and other oils.
Spill response and shoreline cleanup
- Difficulties: Extreme weather conditions delayed the response at sea.
- Resources: 500 people and 45 vessels were deployed for cleaning operations (manual collection, pumping).
- European support: Deployment of experts (including CEDRE) to assess damages and to assist Ukrainian authorities.
- In total: Spill of 2.3 tonnes of lubricant, 25 tonnes of marine diesel, 5.5 tonnes of domestic fuel oil
- Waste: The amount of waste recovered was around 1,700 tonnes in Ukraine and 13,000 tonnes in Russia.
Impacts
- Environment: 30 km of coastline polluted (Russia and Ukraine), estimate of 30,000 birds oiled.
- Specific risks: Sulphur on board of the bulk carriers (2,500 t on the Volnogorsk), few studies on it but potential toxicity in the event of fire.
Results
To find out more
Sea Alarm, Information on the impact of the pollution on wildlife, including regular updates on the situation
IOPC Funds: Compensation claims
CIIMAR database: fate and weathering of Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS) involved
Shipwreck zoneKerch Strait
Spill areaOpen sea
Accident causeWeather conditions
Pollutant descriptionHeavy fuel oil, light fuel oil, marine diesel, oil lubricants and sulphur
Quantity spilled1,300 tonnes of heavy fuel oil, 5.5 tonnes of light fuel oil, 25 tonnes of marine diesel, 2.3 tonnes of lubricants
Vessel typeVarious vessels