Russia attacks Turkish grain tanker, killing 5 sailors, leaving 5 missing
Ukraine: Ukrainian officials say Russian forces have attacked an international cargo ship in the Black Sea near the coast of the southern Ukrainian city of Odesa, leaving at least five people dead and five missing.
The ship that was attacked, the GOLDEN LEO, is owned by a Turkish company and flies the flag of Guinea-Bissau. At the time of the incident, the ship was leaving the combat zone, carrying grain from a Ukrainian port.
According to the Ukrainian Navy, the GOLDEN LEO was hit by three cruise missiles. The strikes hit the starboard side of the ship's structure and caused a fire on board.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Sergii Koretskyi confirmed that the crew members on board included Indians and Syrians, as well as a Ukrainian pilot.
During the rescue operation, eight crew members were rescued and evacuated from the ship, while five people were confirmed dead and the fate of five others is still unknown. The search operation for the missing is ongoing.
Ukrainian officials viewed the attack on the civilian vessel as a threat to the safety of international shipping and food shipments across the Black Sea.
However, as of press time, the Russian side has not yet issued a public comment on Ukraine's allegations. The death toll and missing figures may be updated as rescue operations continue.
