Anapa, a popular resort in the Krasnodar Territory, is grappling with the lingering effects of an oil spill that occurred in December 2024, leaving beaches deserted and tourism significantly impacted. Despite authorities claiming no new major emissions, oil residue persists on the shoreline, raising concerns among locals and visitors.

Beaches are marred by sandy ramparts and oil-soaked netting, transforming the once-thriving resort into what locals describe as an “exclusion zone”. Many hotels and businesses remain closed, while signs warn against swimming due to ongoing cleanup efforts.

While some tourists are undeterred, opting to continue with their planned vacations, the overall atmosphere is far from the usual bustling summer scene. An elderly couple from Moscow, who booked their trip months ago, noted the discounted rates and the efforts to clean the area, though they were unaware of the swimming ban.

Cleanup operations continue, with divers manually removing oil from the seabed, but fresh satellite images indicate ongoing leaks from the sunken tankers. The Russian government has allocated billions of rubles for protective structures and oil removal, but concerns remain about the long-term impact and the potential for further contamination, especially as temperatures rise.

Local residents and business owners are feeling the strain, with significant drops in bookings and some hotels choosing to remain closed for the season. While some express hope for a turnaround, the uncertainty surrounding the oil spill and its consequences casts a shadow over Anapa’s future as a premier vacation destination.