Russia's state media say an estimated 3,700 tons of low-grade fuel oil has spilled into the Kerch Strait after two Russian ships were seriously damaged by stormy weather.

A heavy storm Sunday damaged two Russian tankers carrying thousands of barrels of oil and caused an unknown amount to spill into the sea, according to reports from Reuters.

A Russian oil tanker carrying thousands of tonnes of oil products split apart during a heavy storm on Sunday, spilling oil into the Kerch Strait, while another tanker was also in distress after sustaining damage,