Russian strike on Chornomorsk port near Odesa triggers massive sunflower oil spill
A Russian missile strike on the port city of Chornomorsk damaged a 6,000-ton reservoir of sunflower oil, causing a significant spill into the harbor's waters, the State Environmental Inspection of the South-Western District reported on Monday.
The attack on the Chornomorsk Commercial Sea Port ignited a storage tank containing sunflower oil. While emergency crews installed barriers and blocked storm drains to contain the leak, inspectors confirmed that a substantial amount of the product reached the harbor.
Environmental officials stated that a slick measuring approximately 400 by 200 meters (1,300 by 650 feet) formed on the water’s surface, turning the area yellow and leaving visible patches.
Containment booms have since been deployed to limit the spread of the oil. Soil contamination was avoided because the affected area is paved with concrete, the inspection team noted.
Specialists have collected seawater samples for laboratory analysis to determine the exact level of pollution and calculate the financial damages to the environment.
A final assessment of the ecological impact will be released once the research is complete.
The strike occurred during a wider overnight bombardment of several Ukrainian regions on April 26. According to Oleksii Kuleba, Minister for Communities and Territories Development, the attack on the Port of Chornomorsk damaged critical logistics infrastructure, warehouses, technical equipment, and administrative buildings, in addition to the cargo storage tanks and transport vehicles.
- Share: