Russia Declares Federal Emergency Over Oil Spill

Russia has declared a federal emergency over an oil spill caused by two Russian tankers in the Black Sea, the Emergencies Ministry said.

The tankers were hit by a storm on December 15 One split in half and the other ran aground.

The resulting spill has coated sandy beaches at and around Anapa, a popular resort, and caused serious problems for wildlife including seabirds, dolphins and porpoises.

More than 10,000 people have been trying to clear it up.

REUTERS/Christopher Ojilere