Russian oil tankers sinking in Black Sea (VIDEO)

The two ships had 29 crew members on board when calls for help were issued, the Russian Emergency Ministry has said

Two tankers carrying oil products are sinking in the Kerch Strait, the passage that connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Azov, according to the Russian Emergency Ministry.

The Volganeft 212 and the Volganeft 239 sent out distress signals and requested assistance amid high winds and powerful waves. The Russian water transport agency has said a total of 29 crew members were on board the two vessels.

According to Russian media reports, powerful waves struck the tankers several kilometers off the Black Sea coast. The Volganeft 212, carrying more than 4,000 tons of fuel oil, has run aground, and the Volgoneft 239 is drifting after sustaining damage.

Emergency rescue helicopters have flown response teams to the Kerch Strait area to assist the vessels. Their efforts, however, have been hindered by worsening weather.

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A rescue boat has also been sent to the area. So far, 13 crew members from the damaged tankers have been brought to safety, and one fatality has been confirmed, the Emergency Ministry said.

Preliminary findings suggest that one of the ships broke in half after the storm caused it to run ground. An investigation has been launched, Russia’s Southern Transport Prosecutor’s Office said.