Massive Diesel Spill in Yenisei River Leads to $15M Environmental Crisis, Authorities Report

Authorities in the Krasnoyarsk region of Russia announced on Friday that nearly 80 metric tons of diesel fuel were discharged into the Yenisei River last month, resulting in an estimated 1.2 billion rubles ($15.3 million) in environmental damage.

The incident, which occurred on June 8, involved a vessel towing two barges that struck an underwater obstacle and became stranded, as reported by investigators. This collision caused the barges to detach and the hull of the ship to rupture, leading to a significant fuel leak.

Yulia Gumenyuk, Deputy Minister of Ecology in Krasnoyarsk, confirmed that 79.3 tons of diesel fuel entered the river during the spill.

The Tyumen-based Ob-Irtysh River Shipping Company, which operates the vessel, has been accused of breaching environmental protection regulations, according to Gumenyuk. The company has a month to compensate the local authorities for the damage incurred.

Initially, it was reported that around 30 tons of diesel had contaminated the Yenisei River, affecting up to 50 kilometers (31 miles) of its shoreline. A second leakage was reported on June 21 while emergency responders were attempting to clear the wreckage.

Gumenyuk noted that recent testing of water samples indicated the pollution levels in the river have returned to acceptable standards.

The Yenisei River, which originates in northern Mongolia and flows into the Arctic Ocean, is 3,487 kilometers (2,167 miles) long, making it the fifth longest river system in the world.