Krasnodar region raises readiness over oil spill risk after Black Sea tanker attack
In short
Russia's Krasnodar region introduced a heightened readiness regime from October 13 because of an oil spill threat following unmanned boat attacks on vessels in the Black Sea. The order identifies Gelendzhik and Novorossiysk as areas facing a possible regional emergency.
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Authorities in Russia's Krasnodar region introduced a heightened readiness regime from October 13 over the threat of an oil spill after unmanned boat attacks on vessels in the Black Sea. An order published on the regional administration's website identifies Gelendzhik and Novorossiysk as municipalities facing the possibility of a regional emergency caused by an oil products spill. [ 3 ]
The order was signed by Governor Veniamin Kondratyev (Вениамин Кондратьев). It calls for closer monitoring of the environment, dangerous natural phenomena and processes associated with human activity that could lead to emergencies. Officials may introduce round-the-clock duty if necessary. The marine rescue service's Azov-Black Sea branch was advised to take measures to prevent oil products from washing onto the shoreline. [ 3 , 4 , 5 ]
A Liberian-flagged tanker carrying oil was attacked by unmanned boats on the evening of October 6, Interfax reported. The attack caused oil to burn in the surrounding waters. The Transport Ministry said October 7 that the open fire on the tanker had been extinguished. Vedomosti reported that all 23 crew members, who were Indian citizens, were rescued and that nobody was injured. [ 3 , 5 ]
The regional operational headquarters had earlier said marine rescue specialists did not confirm reports of an oil products spill off the Krasnodar coast following the tanker fire. Vedomosti reported that Rosprirodnadzor said October 7 that no pollution had been detected in the Black Sea waters. Authorities in Sirius temporarily closed beaches and monitored water and air conditions; Sochi also restricted access to seaside promenades and beach areas, according to Vedomosti. Air pollutant concentrations in Sirius remained below maximum permissible levels, the outlet reported. [ 3 , 5 ]
Why it matters
Authorities will increase environmental monitoring and take measures to prevent oil products reaching the shoreline. Earlier checks did not confirm reports of an oil spill off the Krasnodar coast, according to the regional operational headquarters.
Key facts
- The heightened readiness regime took effect on October 13. [ 3 ]
- The order identifies an oil spill threat affecting Gelendzhik and Novorossiysk. [ 3 , 4 , 5 ]
- Environmental monitoring will be increased, with round-the-clock duty if necessary. [ 4 , 5 ]
- All 23 Indian crew members of the attacked tanker were rescued, with no injuries reported. [ 5 ]
Confirmed by several sources
- Krasnodar authorities introduced heightened readiness because of an oil spill threat. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]
- The threatened areas identified in the order include Gelendzhik and Novorossiysk. [ 3 , 4 , 5 ]
- A Liberian-flagged tanker was attacked by unmanned boats and its 23 Indian crew members were rescued. [ 4 , 5 ]
Still unclear
- An oil spill threatening the shoreline has not been confirmed by the checks described in the documents. Interfax cited the regional operational headquarters saying marine rescue specialists had not confirmed spill reports; the readiness order addresses a possible emergency.