A tugboat towing two empty barges ran aground on 8 June in the Kazachinsky District of Krasnoyarsk Krai, Russia, along the Yenisei River, spilling about 30 metric tons of diesel fuel into the water.
The incident happened around 6 p.m., when the vessel struck an underwater obstacle, causing the barges to detach and pierce the hull, leading to a breach in one of the fuel tanks and subsequent leakage. This spill has contaminated nearly 50 kilometers of the river’s shoreline, including the shores of two nearby villages, though authorities confirmed no immediate threat to residents.
Emergency crews quickly deployed containment booms and absorbent barriers to limit the spread of the diesel, while salvage teams are working to stabilize the tug and remove remaining fuel. A state of emergency was declared in the Kazachinsky district, with environmental officials warning of serious risks to the aquatic ecosystem and shoreline vegetation.
Around 30 metric tons of diesel fuel spilled into the Yenisei River in Siberia after a ship towing two barges ran aground and broke apart in shallow water, Russian authorities said Monday.
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Water quality testing is ongoing, and a criminal investigation has been launched into possible violations of transportation and environmental safety regulations.
