Large-scale pollution detected near Russian ship berth in the Sea of Azov
28.07.2026 - 17:15
The cause could be a leak from ships or the discharge of contaminated technical water.
In the Sea of Azov near the Akhtarsky estuaries, two large spots were recorded, which may indicate pollution of the water area with oil products. This is reported by “Crimean Wind”.
The area of the largest spot is about 4.7 km². Another area of contamination with an area of approximately 1.84 km² was discovered further south.
The Akhtarsky estuaries are used by the Russians as a place to park ships, in particular ships that are associated with transportation in the interests of the Russian “shadow fleet”.
According to a preliminary assessment by analysts, the pollution could have occurred as a result of a leak of oil products from ships or the deliberate discharge of contaminated technical water. The exact source of the spill has not yet been established.
The appearance of such spots may also indicate an unsatisfactory technical condition of ships or a violation of environmental requirements during their long-term parking.
The accumulation of outdated and inadequately insured vessels in closed water areas creates additional risks for the ecosystem of the Sea of Azov. In the event of a significant oil spill, the shallowness of the sea and limited water exchange complicate the elimination of the consequences.
Earlier, USM wrote that Russia has limited nightly vessel traffic in the port of Novorossiysk due to drone attacks.
