Russian tanker hit by Ukrainian drones starts sinking in Rostov-on-Don
Photo: Russian tanker Valery Gorchakov (marinetraffic.com)
The Russian tanker Valery Gorchakov, which was hit by Ukrainian drones in Rostov-on-Don, has begun to sink. The partially flooded vessel has been surrounded by containment booms, but there are no apparent signs of salvage operations, Astra reports.
At the time of the attack, the tanker was located near the maritime terminal of the Novoshakhtinsk oil products refinery. A drone struck the vessel there, after which it began taking on water.
The outlet obtained photos of the drone-hit tanker taken after the attack. The vessel has sunk significantly following the damage.
Ukrainian forces had previously attacked the area on December 15, but explosions were reported about 850 meters from the Novoshakhtinsk refinery's oil terminal. This time, drones struck the terminal directly, and the Gorchakov was hit.
After the strike, the tanker began going under. By morning, according to the photos, the stern had nearly submerged up to the superstructure. There are no visible signs of rescue or salvage operations near the Gorchakov - the damaged vessel was only quickly encircled with containment booms.
Photo: Russian tanker hit by Ukrainian drones starts sinking
Photo: Russian tanker hit by Ukrainian drones starts sinking
Photo: Russian tanker hit by Ukrainian drones starts sinking
Photo: Russian tanker hit by Ukrainian drones starts sinking
Earlier, it was reported that the tanker Valery Gorchakov was attacked in Rostov-on-Don overnight on December 18. The vessel sustained significant damage, two crew members were killed, and three others were injured.
Rostov-on-Don was also targeted by drones on the night of December 15. Russia claimed that its air defenses had destroyed dozens of drones. An air alert was declared in the Rostov region due to the drone threat.
