Anapa, a once-flourishing resort on the Krasnodar Territory coast, is grappling with the aftermath of a major oil spill six months after a tanker wreck, leaving beaches deserted and businesses struggling. Despite assurances from authorities that new emissions are insignificant, oil continues to wash ashore, impacting tourism and raising concerns among locals and visitors.

The spill has transformed Anapa into what locals describe as an “exclusion zone,” with closed hotels and restricted access to beaches. While some tourists are undeterred, many are staying away, leading to a significant drop in visitor numbers at the start of the swimming season.

In Blagoveshchenskaya, a resort village near Anapa, empty cafes and closed stores are a common sight. Although the smell of oil is not always present, small particles are embedded in the sand, and dolphins have been spotted near the shore. Some tourists, like an elderly couple from Moscow, have chosen to continue with their planned vacations, attracted by discounted rates.

In Anapa itself, red prohibition signs warn tourists against swimming due to ongoing cleanup efforts. Divers are actively working to remove oil from the seabed, but the process is slow and manual. Dangerous zones have been identified, but the exact locations and enforcement measures remain vague.

Local blogger Max Anapsky has been monitoring the situation since the disaster began, highlighting the continued leakage from sunken tankers and advocating for more active measures to contain the spill. The Russian government has allocated additional funds for protective structures to prevent further leaks.

Despite the challenges, some locals remain optimistic, hoping that the situation will improve and tourists will return. However, business owners are suffering losses, and some hotels have decided to remain closed this season.

On the Central Beach of Anapa, while visually cleaner, traces of oil are still present. Tourists from other cities are scarce, while locals appear less concerned.

Rocky beaches in Anapa remain popular, seemingly unaffected by the oil spill. However, authorities continue to warn about the potential health risks of contact with oil, particularly for children, pregnant women, and people with chronic diseases.

The completion of the cleanup is uncertain, and tourists should be aware that they may face fines for violating beach closures. Despite the risks, some visitors are still choosing to vacation in Anapa, making the decision of whether to visit a personal one.