A Russian oil tanker carrying thousands of tonnes of oil products split apart during a heavy storm on Sunday, spilling oil into the Kerch Strait, while another tanker was also in distress after sustaining damage,

An oil tanker has split in half after facing stormy weather near Crimea, prompting a desperate rescue mission to save the crew members on board. The two cargo ships were left severely damaged following bad weather in the Kerch Strait,

A Russian oil tanker carrying thousands of tonnes of oil products split apart during a heavy storm on Sunday, spilling oil into the Kerch Strait, while another tanker was also in distress after sustaining damage,

Two Russian oil tankers have been damaged following a storm in the Kerch Strait, spilling oil and sparking an emergency rescue operation, Russian officials say.

The incident occurred when the 136-metre Volgoneft 212 tanker, built in 1969 and with a crew of 15, was caught in the storm. State media footage showed the vessel breaking apart, with its bow sinking as waves washed over its deck. At least one person was confirmed dead.

A tanker hauling Russian crude from the Baltic Sea to India that was observed heading toward the Shetland Islands — a route that would have taken it on a detour around the northern tip of the UK — made a sudden turn and instead took a more-typical journey through the English Channel.

Vessel had capacity of 4,200 tonnes of oil products; another damaged tanker drifting; at least one person killed as Russia works to evacuate crew amid stormy weather

Russia mounted a rescue effort Sunday after two oil tankers were wrecked in rough seas off Moscow-annexed Crimea and one broke apart, killing at least one sailor and causing an oil spill.