The Russian military launched a missile strike on a civilian cargo vessel flying the flag of Guinea-Bissau. Five crew members were killed, eight were evacuated, and the fate of another five remains unknown.
The Ukrainian Navy of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported this on Facebook.
"Russian occupying forces launched three Kh-59/Kh-69 cruise missiles at the civilian bulk carrier Golden Leo (flag of Guinea-Bissau, Turkish-owned), which was leaving the combat zone carrying a cargo of grain at the time of the attack. The missile struck the starboard side of the vessel's superstructure, causing a fire on board. As a result of the strike, five people were killed. The fate of another five crew members remains unknown, and search operations are ongoing. The vessel's technical condition is still being assessed," the statement said.
Units of the Ukrainian Navy and the Maritime Search and Rescue Service were involved in the rescue operation.
As of 20:30, eight crew members had been evacuated to a hospital in Odesa.
