The Institute (協会)

More Men Die In Russian Oil Tanker Sinking

(one of the many ships damaged by the storm: from CNN)
From CNN:

Highlights:

# Rescuers recover three bodies from sunken Russian ship, five still missing
# The Nakhichevan was one of two freighters that broke up in heavy seas
# Fuel oil and sulfur spilled into sea and is washing up on nearby shores
# Officials: Could be the worst environmental disaster in the region in years

ROSTOV-ON-DON, Russia (AP) -- Rescuers on Monday recovered the bodies of three sailors after a Russian freighter sank near the Black Sea, while officials assessed damage from an oil tanker spill that could be the worst environmental disaster in the region in years.

The Nakhichevan was one of two freighters that broke up as 18-foot waves battered ships throughout the region surrounding the Strait of Kerch, a narrow strait linking the Black Sea and the smaller Sea of Azov.

The dead sailors wearing life vests washed up near Tuzla on the western side of the strait, said Emergency Situations spokesman Sergei Kozhemyaka. Rescuers were looking for five others.

As many as 10 ships sank or ran aground in the strait and the northern Black Sea region during the fierce storm, including the tanker, the Volganeft-139, loaded with nearly 1.3 million gallons of fuel oil. Nearly half that amount had spilled into the strait and had begun washing up on nearby shorelines.

The Russian tanker's 13 crew members were rescued, authorities said.

Officials said it could be the worst environmental disaster in the region in years, and could take years to

Fellas, this is tragic. Strong winds and high surf caused the Volgoneft-139 to split in two, spilling up 560,000 gallons of fuel oil. WOW!!!!!