Due to an oil spill in the Black Sea, several beaches in the Krasnodar Territory of Russia are deserted, with swimming prohibited due to a state of emergency. Despite the restrictions, some tourists are still visiting and finding beauty in the empty shores.

The state of emergency was declared following an environmental disaster caused by the fracture of two Russian oil tankers during a severe storm in the Kerch Strait. Thousands of tons of fuel oil leaked into the water, impacting the coastline.

Anna, an economist who vacationed in the Temryuk district with her family, encountered these closed beaches. While nine beaches in the Temryuk district are closed this summer, Anna noted that the Azov Sea appeared clean and transparent, with no visible signs of fuel oil.

Anna also visited Vityazevo, near Anapa, on the Black Sea, where swimming is also prohibited. She was pleasantly surprised by the sandy beach but saddened by the deserted shore and empty sun loungers. Despite the ban, some people were observed swimming without apparent harm, though Anna’s family chose not to risk it.

According to Anna, the lack of tourists has led to significantly lower prices at resorts with closed beaches, particularly for fruits and vegetables. Hotels are also experiencing low occupancy rates. Friends who run a hotel in Anapa reported only 10% occupancy, and larger hotels and sanatoriums are suffering heavy losses. The Temryuk district has also seen fewer visitors compared to previous years, as people may be choosing alternative destinations like Crimea.

Approximately 130 kilometers of coastline in the Krasnodar Territory remain accessible for swimming. Tourists are also utilizing water parks and hotel swimming pools as alternatives. Anna mentioned that swimming is allowed in the village of Kuchugury and that many people visit Golubitskaya in the Temryuk district.