Dozens of Marine Mammals Found Dead After Russian Oil Leak

moscow - Dozens of marine mammals have been found dead following the oil spill near the Crimean Peninsula last month.

An animal rescue center has reported 61 dead cetaceans since the incident, with at least 32 of them 'highly likely' dying as a result of the leak. 'Based on the condition of the bodies, it is probable that most of these cetaceans died in the first ten days after the disaster,' the report said.

The leak occurred on December 15 when two oil tankers collided during stormy weather in the Kerch Strait, the waterway between Russia and the annexed peninsula. One of the ships sank, while the other ran aground. Authorities estimate that about 2400 tons of fuel oil entered the water as a result.

Russia had already expressed concerns about significant environmental damage from the oil spill at the end of last month. 'The situation is really critical,' said a Kremlin spokesperson, as reported by Russian state news agencies. The Russian Emergencies Ministry is still working to clean up the pollution. The ministry reported on Sunday that efforts are being hindered by oil reaching some beaches due to strong winds and waves.