Russian strike on cargo vessel in Odesa region: Death toll rises
Illustrative photo: Death toll rises after Russian strike on vessel in Odesa region (Getty Images)
The number of people killed and injured in Russia's strike on a commercial vessel docked at a port in Ukraine's Odesa region has risen, according to Odesa Regional Military Administration head Oleh Kiper.
"The number of people injured in the enemy strike on a commercial vessel in the Odesa district has risen to 12. Five people were killed. All those killed and injured were members of the ship's crew," Kiper said.
Additionally, seven people have been hospitalized, with doctors describing their condition as moderate. Five others received medical treatment on an outpatient basis.
What happened
Russian forces struck a commercial vessel flying the flag of Togo while it was unloading mineral fertilizers at a Ukrainian port. The missile hit the ship's superstructure, sparking a fire.
As previously reported, on June 22, Russian forces attacked the Turkish-owned merchant vessel VICTRESS, sailing under the Panamanian flag, with drones. The strike caused a fire on board, killing a 58-year-old cook. Eight other crew members were evacuated on a life raft.
On the same day, Russian forces also attacked civilian vessels sailing under the flags of Palau and Belize.
Earlier, on June 19, Russian drones struck two civilian vessels in the Black Sea flying the flags of Panama and Saint Kitts and Nevis.
One crew member was killed aboard one of the vessels, while two sailors were injured. Three crew members aboard the second vessel sustained minor injuries.
