The Federal Service for Supervision of Natural Resources (Rosprirodnadzor) has initiated legal action seeking 84.9 billion rubles in environmental damage compensation from Volgatransneft, Kamatransoil, and Kama Shipping. The lawsuits stem from the sinking of the tankers “Volgoneft-212” and “Volgoneft-239” in the Black Sea.

The agency’s press service reported that these companies, identified as the owners of the sunken tankers, failed to voluntarily compensate for the environmental damage caused by the incident. Svetlana Radionova, head of Rosprirodnadzor, stated that the legal process was initiated because the deadline for independent fulfillment of the agency’s requirements had passed.

Specifically, Rosprirodnadzor is demanding 49.46 billion rubles from Kama Shipping LLC, the charterer of the tanker Volgoneft-212, and Kamatransoil LLC, the vessel’s owner. Additionally, the service seeks 35.48 billion rubles from Volgatransneft CJSC, the owner of the tanker Volgoneft-239.

The incident occurred on December 15 of the previous year, when the tankers “Volgoneft 212” and “Volgoneft 239,” carrying fuel oil, collided in the Kerch Strait. The Ministry of Transport reported that approximately 2.4 thousand tons of fuel oil spilled into the sea as a result of the collision. Investigations revealed that the tankers had violated seasonal restrictions in place at the time.

Since the incident, efforts have been underway to clean up the affected waters and shorelines. The government allocated 1.5 billion rubles in January to address the immediate consequences of the emergency, and an additional 7.5 billion rubles was allocated at the end of May.

The environmental damage has had a significant impact on the region. Beaches and access roads to the sea in Anapa remain closed, causing substantial losses to the tourism industry. Thousands of birds have also perished as a result of the oil spill.

Currently, operational headquarters in the Krasnodar Territory report that Anapa beaches are being patrolled by vehicles equipped with loudspeakers, informing tourists about the swimming ban. These vehicles conduct up to 10 trips along the coastline daily to disseminate the information.