Two Russian oil tankers have been badly broken within the Black Sea, inflicting an oil spill, authorities in Russia have mentioned.

Footage launched by Russia’s Southern Transport Prosecutor’s Workplace confirmed the bow of 1 tanker fully damaged off, with streaks of oil seen within the water.

Each tankers are believed to have drifted earlier than working aground offshore. At the very least one crew member was reportedly killed.

The incident passed off within the Kerch Strait, which separates Russia from Crimea – the Ukrainian peninsula illegally annexed by Moscow in 2014.

A rescue operation involving tugboats, helicopters and greater than 50 personnel noticed 13 crew members rescued from one tanker, earlier than being suspended on account of unhealthy climate.

Fourteen crew members who had been stranded aboard a second tanker had been additionally rescued, the Russian emergencies ministry mentioned on Monday.

President Vladimir Putin has ordered a working group to be set as much as cope with the incident, headed by Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Savelyev – and authorities are investigating for prison negligence.

Michelle Bockmann, an analyst at transport trade journal Lloyd’s Listing, informed the BBC the 2 vessels are owned by the corporate Volgatanker and had been comparatively small.

That they had been carrying round 4,300 lifeless weight tonnes of oil every, in response to Russian officers quoted by Tass information company.

A tanker used for buying and selling Russian crude oil internationally typically has a a lot bigger carrying capability of round 120,000 lifeless weight tonnes, Bockmann mentioned, which means it’s doubtless these tankers had been used for transporting oil by means of Russia’s rivers or in coastal waters.

The Kerch Strait is a key route for exports of Russian grain and additionally it is used for exports of crude oil, gasoline oil and liquefied pure gasoline.

In 2007, one other oil tanker – Volgoneft-139 – cut up in half throughout a storm whereas anchored off the Kerch Strait, spilling greater than 1,000 tonnes of oil.

Russian oil imports have been closely sanctioned by allies of Ukraine for the reason that Kremlin ordered the full-scale invasion of the nation in February 2022.

In recent times, Russia has been accused of utilizing a so-called ghost fleet of tankers, which are sometimes poorly maintained and lack correct insurance coverage, to maneuver oil and circumvent sanctions – although Bockmann mentioned it didn’t seem the tankers concerned in Sunday’s incident had been a part of that fleet.

Further reporting by Joshua Cheetham

Russell Martin has been sacked as Southampton supervisor after the Premier League’s backside membership’s heavy 5-0 defeat by Tottenham proved the ultimate act of his reign.

Having guided the membership’s return to the highest division by way of final season’s Championship playoffs, beating Leeds within the remaining, Martin has struggled since Southampton’s promotion. He leaves Saints backside of the Premier League on 5 factors from 16 matches.

On Sunday, as his staff conceded 5 first-half targets, Saints followers sang songs criticising Martin’s type of play, and St Mary’s emptied as supporters voted with their ft, many leaving the stadium after Pape Sarr scored Tottenham’s fourth aim within the twenty fifth minute.

A membership assertion conveyed the information that grew to become inevitable throughout that first-half efficiency. It learn: ”We are able to verify that we’ve got taken the tough resolution to half methods with our males’s first staff supervisor, Russell Martin.”

The assertion continued: “Going into the beginning of the season, all of us knew the challenges that we’d face this 12 months as we readjusted to life within the high flight, competing in the most effective and best league on the earth. Nonetheless, the truth of our state of affairs is evident. The board have supported Russell and his employees and been open and clear relating to our expectations. We’ve all been on the identical web page in recognising the urgency of needing outcomes to enhance.”

In a post-match interview, Martin, 38, requested if he anticipated the followers to get their want of his departure, stated: “Not a clue, mate. Not a clue. You’re asking the improper individual. I’ve accomplished nothing however battle in my life and my profession, so, we’ll maintain working and maintain combating till I’m advised I’m not going to any extra.”

Martin’s dedication to an open and attacking type, asking defenders to convey the ball ahead, has malfunctioned repeatedly within the greater echelon, however the former Swansea supervisor, who joined Saints in the summertime of 2023, remained unrepentant about his strategy.

Southampton confirmed that their under-21s supervisor, Simon Rusk, will step up on an interim foundation whereas they choose a everlasting substitute.

Earlier than the information was introduced, Martin stated he understood followers’ reactions. “After I put my ego into it as a supervisor, it hurts quite a bit as a result of we work so laborious each single day, but it surely’s not private. I don’t know them, they don’t know me. It’s a criticism of the job I’m doing, I perceive.”

Southampton have sacked supervisor Russell Martin after their 5-0 hammering by Tottenham on Sunday.

The end result leaves Southampton backside of the Premier League and 9 factors adrift of security. Underneath-21s supervisor Simon Rusk will take over on an interim foundation, beginning with the Carabao Cup quarter-final towards Liverpool on Wednesday, stay on Sky Sports activities.

There have been audible boos aimed toward Martin from Southampton followers throughout and after Sunday’s match. In response, Martin stated in his post-match press convention: “The followers have been wonderful for us since we have been right here from day one.

“I perceive the frustration, I additionally perceive the fashionable world and soccer and what it’s and what it is about.”

Shortly afterwards, although, he added: “As an individual, [it doesn’t hurt] very a lot. However once I put my ego into it as a supervisor, it hurts loads since you work so laborious each single day.

“In fact, that hurts as a result of we work so laborious. However you must settle for it as half and parcel of soccer and it’s what it’s.”

Requested if the followers would get their want, he stated: “Not a clue, mate. Not a clue. You are talking to the fallacious man.

“Nevertheless it’s not private; I do not know them, they do not know me. So it is a criticism of the job I am doing, I perceive. I do not suppose you may criticise an individual when you do not know them. So it is a criticism of the job I’m doing.”

Martin’s departure was introduced by the membership lower than 90 minutes after the full-time whistle.

Martin, appointed in June 2023, led Southampton to promotion by way of the Championship play-offs, however has overseen only one victory and 13 defeats from 16 video games within the Premier League.

Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale was a pundit for TNT in the course of the match. At full-time, earlier than the sacking was introduced, he stated: “I really feel very sorry for Martin.

“I feel the lads are nonetheless attempting for him. I do not suppose there’s any query of something on Russell Martin.

“The followers do deserve higher and so they’re sticking with us, and it is one we’ve got to maneuver on in a short time forward of Wednesday.”

Southampton’s assertion in full

“We will verify that we’ve got taken the tough choice to half methods with our males’s first group supervisor, Russell Martin.

“Going into the beginning of the season, all of us knew the challenges that we’d face this yr as we readjusted to life within the high flight, competing in the most effective and best league on the earth.

“Nonetheless, the truth of our scenario is evident. The board have supported Russell and his workers and been open and clear relating to our expectations. We now have all been on the identical web page in recognising the urgency of needing outcomes to enhance.

“We want to take this chance to thank Russell and his workers for all of the laborious work and dedication they’ve given the membership on and off the pitch during the last 18 months. Everybody related with Southampton FC will at all times have unbelievable reminiscences of final season, particularly the play-off last win in Might.

“Present U21s supervisor Simon Rusk will take cost of the group on an interim foundation till we announce a everlasting substitute.

“Behind the scenes, we’re inspired by the continued growth of expertise coming by way of our Academy. We’re happy with the contributions our younger gamers are making and are assured this can stay a supply of energy and pleasure for everybody related to the membership.

“We’re additionally deeply grateful for the continued assist and positivity proven by our followers. We’re witnessing first-hand the numerous hole between the Championship and the Premier League, however your understanding and fervour, even when outcomes haven’t been what all of us need, proceed to drive our long-term dedication to the membership.”

Saints’ sorry season in stats

• Southampton have solely scored 11 objectives in 16 video games this season – three fewer than another Premier League aspect. Their complete of 36 objectives conceded is the second-highest, after Wolves’ 40.
• Solely Derby County (-32 in 07/08), Sheffield United (-29 in 23/24), Barnsley (-29 in 97/98) and Sheffield Wednesday (-26 in 99/00) have had a worse aim distinction after 16 Premier League video games than Southampton’s -25 this season.
• Southampton have failed to attain in seven of their 16 video games. Solely Everton (eight) have failed to attain extra occasions within the Premier League this season.
• Southampton are the one group in Premier League historical past to go in at half-time shedding by a five-goal deficit on a number of events, doing so towards Leicester Metropolis in October 2019 in addition to towards Tottenham on Sunday evening.
• Southampton have made extra errors resulting in pictures (27) and extra errors resulting in objectives (11) than another Premier League aspect this season.

Evaluation: Low moments outweighed fleeting glimmers for Martin this time period

Sky Sports activities’ Dan Lengthy:

Russell Martin had a lot credit score within the financial institution after promotion from the Championship on the first time of asking final season, that when their first season again within the Premier League did not fairly go to plan at the start, the Southampton hierarchy caught by their man.

He caught by his rules and continued to play the possession-based recreation he has change into famend for, even when the chips had been down and the doubters had been out in power, decided to make it work.

There have been fleeting moments of promise, that a lot is true, however the low moments have far outweighed them.

They had been on high early on towards Manchester United in September, however a missed penalty turned the sport and so they had been comprehensively overwhelmed 3-0. They had been 2-0 up towards Leicester with over an hour gone a month later, seemingly on the right track for his or her first win, however someway ended up shedding 3-2. They went toe-to-toe with Liverpool on the finish of November – shortly after solely shedding 1-0 away at Man Metropolis – however errors had been expensive that day.

There have been a smattering of boos when Tottenham scored the opener on Sunday night, however a mass exodus adopted once they had been 4-0 down inside half an hour – as did the primary actual requires Martin’s head, which grew louder and extra intense all through the sport. After the full-time whistle – by which level he had already disappeared down the tunnel – cameras picked up a banner that learn “R.M. Get Out Of Our Membership”.

In his post-match press convention, the 38-year-old spoke about how “as a supervisor, it hurts loads” to listen to the chants, although made it clear he didn’t take it personally. “It isn’t private; I do not know them, they do not know me. So it is a criticism of the job I am doing, I perceive,” he stated.

Requested if the followers would get their want, he added: “Not a clue, mate. Not a clue. You are talking to the fallacious man.” Sadly for him, the suitable particular person granted the followers’ want simply an hour after he spoke these phrases.

Southampton’s upcoming fixtures

Wednesday December 18: Southampton vs Liverpool – Carabao Cup quarter-final, kick-off 8pm, stay on Sky Sports activities

Saturday December 22: Fulham vs Southampton – Premier League, kick-off 2pm, stay on Sky Sports activities

Thursday December 26: Southampton vs West Ham – Premier League, kick-off 3pm

Sunday December 29: Crystal Palace vs Southampton – Premier League, kick-off 3pm

Saturday January 4: Southampton vs Brentford – Premier League, kick-off 3pm

Sunday January 12: Southampton vs Swansea – FA Cup third spherical, kick-off 4.30pm

LaLiga leaders Barcelona misplaced 1-0 to Leganes on Sunday with defender Sergio González’s early header sufficient to stun the wasteful hosts who misplaced their second consecutive league sport in entrance of their very own followers.

Whereas they’ve been glorious within the Champions League with 5 wins in six video games, Barcelona have struggled in LaLiga for over a month, with just one victory of their final six league matches.

Barca stay prime of the LaLiga standings with 38 factors, degree with Atletico Madrid, who they host on Saturday, and one level forward Actual Madrid in third, with each their title rivals having a sport in hand.

It was Leganes’ first-ever win at Barcelona and left them fifteenth within the desk on 18 factors.

Leganes took the lead from a nook after 4 minutes when visiting captain Gonzalez rose unmarked on the close to submit to fireside an unstoppable header previous goalkeeper Iñaki Peña.

Barca instantly went after the equaliser however, regardless of dominating proceedings all through the match with over 80% possession, they had been clueless as they sought to beat a disciplined and properly organised five-man Leganes defence, spurning a handful of alternatives.

They didn’t hit the goal with 16 of their 20 photographs within the sport and after they did, they hit a wall in Leganes goalkeeper Marko Dmitrovic who made three spectacular saves within the first half.

The 32-year-old Serbian keeper made a superb reflex save to disclaim a first-time effort from Robert Lewandowski within the tenth minute after wonderful particular person play by Raphinha down the left.

Then, he labored his magic with a shocking save within the thirty third minute to palm a Raphinha volley in opposition to the crossbar and stepped up once more a couple of minutes later to dam a Lewandowski effort when the striker was one-on-one.

The hosts’ frustration grew after the break and so they missed a number of possibilities with Dani Olmo, Lamine Yamal and Raphinha all losing good alternatives whereas Lewandowski and Jules Koundé missed sitters from shut vary.

“It is unattainable for us to go dwelling feeling comfortable after what occurred immediately,” a visibly annoyed Pedri advised DAZN. “We did not have the spark that’s wanted up-front to attain targets and we’ve to enter video games higher, we won’t permit our rivals to attain targets to start with like this.

“I feel we had created possibilities however we’ve to know end. It is onerous to seek out a proof for why we’ve been struggling in LaLiga however we have to get a transfer on.”

If you happen to don’t know who Kai Cenat is, you must. This 22-year-old Twitch and YouTube influencer has turn into a powerhouse content material creator and a rising power in web tradition. Cenat not too long ago captivated 1000’s, generated a number of viral moments and shattered subscriber data with a steady 24/7, 30-day stay broadcast on the platform Twitch — a feat referred to as a “subathon.”

Past breaking Twitch data, his most up-to-date stay stream exhibits how platforms like Twitch are breaking the principles of conventional broadcast fashions whereas offering a grasp class in content material curation and fandom. His sturdy private model and a loyal fandom (also referred to as “the chat”) reveals the place digital audiences are headed and the way manufacturers can meaningfully have interaction with them.

What’s a subathon?

At its core, a Twitch subathon is  24-hour, interactive leisure that democratizes fandom and incentivizes participation. It’s not your common stay streaming broadcast — subscribers aren’t simply watching the content material, however shaping it. In contrast to conventional broadcast fashions, subathons put livestream content material management straight within the palms of followers. Throughout a subathon, each new paid subscriber or donation extends the stream’s period, permitting followers to manage how lengthy the stream will final. 

This mannequin creates a steady content material engine the place followers should not solely engaged however deeply invested within the stream final result. The always-on nature of the subathon creates extra model alternatives and moments to achieve a extremely engaged group of superfans. As a substitute of interrupting content material with model adverts like conventional stay TV buys or digital video, the model can turn into extra natively embedded within the livestream content material delivering extra authenticity and cultural relevance. 

Cenat is among the most genuine and culturally related creators on the market proper now. Manufacturers like McDonald’s, Skims and Chime banking see Cenat as a cultural connector with unbelievable affect over next-gen audiences. 

The mutual worth change

Livestreaming influencers like Cenat are the last word content material creators, successful in each model attain, affect and engagement, particularly for occasions like subathons. The distinctive nature of those occasions requires creators to constantly hold their viewers entertained — however leisure isn’t the one worth followers get. 

Followers get a shared social second with virality potential that builds a way of belonging with a standard purpose created by the collective participation. That is beneficial social capital for each followers and types. For manufacturers, it’s the cultural relevance paired with the native and seamless integration. For the followers, they obtain the social badge of honor that “I helped Kai turn into probably the most subscribed streamer on Twitch” — a very mutual worth change. 

Legacy media meets digital chaos

Kai’s content material formulation seems like an always-on digital social gathering — just like the love baby of actuality TV and a chaotic talkshow. This tells us that youth tradition nonetheless has an urge for food for legacy media codecs, nearly limitless content material and real-time pleasure however with a contemporary and interactive twist. The digital twist is all about creating shared social moments for devoted digital and fluid followers. 

Cenat’s social battery, content material technique and cultural crossover is subsequent degree. From celeb sleepovers to science demonstrations with Invoice Nye The Science Man, Cenat understands his viewers and his content material displays that. The nice model lesson right here? Cross-reach doesn’t need to really feel compelled. His extensive cultural attraction comes from having one thing for everybody however not anticipating it. 

Realizing that many shoppers now worth purpose-driven content material (that offers us all the nice and cozy fuzzies!), Cenat devoted his Subathon proceeds to constructing a faculty in Nigeria. This added a layer of authenticity to the occasion, turning it right into a 360-degree expertise with mutual worth for each followers and types. It’s leisure with a trigger that everybody can rally behind.

The model playbook for stay streaming

So how can manufacturers get into the motion? 

There are limitless alternatives given the character of livestreams. Nike, as an example, which has partnered with Cenat to launch unique sneaker collaborations. T-Cell has efficiently leveraged strategic product placement throughout his broadcasts. Manufacturers may additional capitalize on the livestreaming area by sponsoring particular actions, video games or giveaways straight participating followers and creating memorable experiences. 

Moreover, tapping into trending codecs like unboxing movies, “Get Prepared With Me” (GRWM) segments, and stay procuring occasions permits manufacturers to attach with audiences in a extra relatable and natural method, turning viewers into loyal clients.

Whether or not you’re a fan, creator or model, the lesson is evident: The subsequent era isn’t simply watching — they’re collaborating. Are you prepared to hitch them?

Bree Patrick is affiliate director of technique at Barbarian.

Near 1,000 individuals might have been killed after Cyclone Chido hit Mayotte within the Indian Ocean, in line with the island’s prime official.

Mayotte Prefect Francois-Xavier Bieuville informed native TV: “I feel there are some a number of hundred lifeless, perhaps we’ll get near a thousand, even 1000’s… given the violence of this occasion.”

Nevertheless, he mentioned it was presently “extraordinarily tough” to get a precise quantity.

Emergency employees despatched from France and the close by French division of Reunion are racing to search out survivors and restore providers because of the worst cyclone to hit the island in practically a century.

France is utilizing ships and army plane as a part of its response.

French civil safety spokesperson Alexandre Jouassard informed the France 2 information channel: “The subsequent minutes and hours are crucial.

“We’re used to working in these circumstances, and some days after, you will have pockets of survivors.”

Chido induced in depth harm on Saturday, with the close by islands of Comoros and Madagascar additionally affected, and the cyclone has now hit Mozambique.

Forecaster Meteo-France mentioned Chido was the strongest storm to hit the islands in additional than 90 years.

Winds of greater than 124mph (200kmh) ripped roofs off homes and destroyed quite a few buildings.

Mayotte is an impoverished abroad division of France and is unfold over two most important islands about 500 miles (805km) off Africa’s east coast.

President Emmanuel Macron mentioned: “My ideas are with our compatriots in Mayotte, who’ve gone by probably the most horrific few hours, and who’ve, for some, misplaced all the pieces, misplaced their lives.”

Mr Macron is because of maintain an emergency assembly in regards to the disaster at round 6pm native time.

It comes as the primary airport and hospital suffered main harm within the cyclone, mentioned new prime minister Francois Bayrou.

He mentioned many individuals residing in precarious shacks in slum areas had been at severe threat from the cyclone.

Video from the French gendarmerie confirmed the wreckage of a whole lot of makeshift homes littered throughout hills.

Mohamed Ishmael, who lives in Mayotte’s capital Mamoudzou, informed Reuters information company: “Truthfully, what we’re experiencing is a tragedy, you’re feeling like you’re within the aftermath of a nuclear warfare… I noticed a complete neighbourhood disappear.”

One hospital in Mayotte reported 9 individuals have been in a crucial situation and one other 246 have been injured.

Nevertheless, France‘s inside ministry mentioned it was proving tough to get a exact tally of casualties.

In the meantime, the cyclone has largely knocked out web entry on the island which has been “nearly completely offline for over 36 hours”, in line with NetBlocks.

The web monitor added that connectivity is at round “16% of peculiar ranges”.

France sends reinforcements and help

The ministry mentioned 1,600 police and gendarmerie officers had been despatched to assist native rescuers and firefighters from Mayotte and close by Reunion.

Provides have been additionally being rushed in on army plane and ships.

Mayotte has a inhabitants of simply over 300,000 and greater than 100,000 are undocumented migrants, in line with the French inside ministry.

It is the nation’s poorest area and has struggled with drought, underinvestment and gang violence for many years.

Cyclone Chido has now made landfall in Mozambique on the African mainland, the place the United Nations Kids’s Fund (UNICEF) mentioned Cabo Delgado province, house to round two million individuals, had been hit onerous.

“Many properties, faculties and well being services have been partially or utterly destroyed and we’re working carefully with authorities to make sure continuity of important primary providers,” the organisation mentioned.

“Whereas we’re doing all the pieces we are able to, further assist is urgently wanted.”

UNICEF Mozambique spokesman Man Taylor mentioned in a video that communities now face the prospect of being reduce off from faculties and well being services for weeks.

Malawi and Zimbabwe have additionally made emergency plans, with each warning they could need to evacuate low-lying areas as a result of flooding.

December till March is cyclone season within the southeastern Indian Ocean, and southern Africa has been pummelled by a collection of robust storms lately.

In 2019, Cyclone Idai killed greater than 1,300 in Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe, whereas Cyclone Freddy left greater than 1,000 lifeless throughout a number of international locations final yr.

The cyclones carry the chance of flooding and landslides, and stagnant water might later trigger outbreaks of the waterborne illness cholera in addition to dengue fever and malaria.

Research say the cyclones are getting worse due to local weather change.

They will go away poor international locations in southern Africa, which contribute a tiny quantity to world warming, having to take care of massive humanitarian crises – underlining their name for extra assist from wealthy nations.

President-elect Donald Trump and the top of Japanese tech conglomerate SoftBank, Masayoshi Son, will announce a $100 billion funding effort designed to spur synthetic intelligence and associated infrastructure initiatives.

The hassle, first reported by CNBC, will try and create 100,000 jobs over 4 years.

Trump and Son introduced an identical initiative in 2016 after Trump was elected president for the primary time, with the Japanese agency agreeing to speculate $50 billion within the U.S. with the goal to create 50,000 jobs. It’s not clear whether or not that effort absolutely paid off, as a lot of SoftBank’s quite a few startup investments within the U.S. and past didn’t repay. A 2019 report from Forbes discovered arduous information on the final word impression troublesome to come back by. Axios, nevertheless, experiences it largely met the marks, a minimum of for a time.

In the present day, SoftBank is a a lot smaller firm than when Trump first took workplace almost a decade in the past — and in response to Bloomberg Information, solely has $25 billion in money available, elevating questions on how Son and his agency will give you the pledge cash.

A SoftBank consultant didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark.

Son joins the slew of tech titans saying investments following Trump’s electoral victory. Earlier this month, Amazon and Meta, the dad or mum firm of Fb, every introduced $1 million contributions to Trump’s inaugural fund, as have OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and the AI startup Perplexity.

Sky Sports activities commentator Wayne Mardle was absent from the opening evening of the World Darts Championship after his spouse Donna died earlier this week.

Mardle was attributable to lead the broadcaster’s protection at Alexandra Palace, however information of his spouse’s dying on the age of 52 following a brief sickness was introduced on Sunday.

An emotional presenter Emma Paton stated on air: “Wayne is the guts and soul of every little thing we do right here at Sky Sports activities darts, however the coronary heart of his world, his great spouse Donna, sadly handed away earlier this week after a brief sickness.

“We shall be remembering Donna all through this event. Wayne, you might be in our ideas, in our hearts, we love you very a lot and we are going to see you very quickly.”

Mardle has been the principle voice of Sky Sports activities’ protection of darts for a few years and gained extra fame two years in the past for his memorable commentary of the game’s best leg the place Michael Smith hit a nine-dart end within the last in opposition to Michael van Gerwen, who missed a double 12 on his personal try at perfection.

Mardle exclaimed: “One man misses, does the opposite man get? I’ve by no means seen the like.

“Come on Bully Boy. Sure! Double 12…That’s the most wonderful leg of darts you’ll ever see in your life. I can’t communicate, I can’t communicate.”

Former participant Mardle just isn’t anticipated to be in attendance for any of the 2025 event which began on Sunday and ends on January 3.