Black Sea Oil Spill Smaller Than Feared

Russian investigators report a Black Sea oil spill, involving two tankers, was smaller than initially estimated. The spill led to deaths of marine life and necessitated cleanup efforts by over 10,000 people. An estimated 2,400 metric tons of oil products were spilled due to the incident.

Russian investigators have revealed that an oil spill in the Black Sea last month was less severe than initially reported, according to the Transport Ministry's statement on Thursday. The incident involved two aging tankers battered by a storm on December 15; one of the vessels sank while the other ran aground.

Cleanup efforts have drawn more than 10,000 volunteers who are working tirelessly to remove thick, noxious fuel oil from popular beaches around Anapa, a summer hotspot. Environmental groups have confirmed the disaster has resulted in the deaths of dolphins, porpoises, and seabirds. Experts estimate approximately 2,400 metric tons of oil were released into the sea.

Originally, the damage was thought to be more extensive, based on one tanker captain's account. The Ministry clarified both fifty-year-old tankers were transporting 9,200 metric tons of oil in total. The spill comprised heavy M100-grade fuel oil, which solidifies at 25 degrees Celsius and challenges existing removal technologies, necessitating shoreline collection efforts.

(With inputs from agencies.)