At Least 11 Crew Members Dead After Two Ships Catch Fire In Kerch Strait Near Crimea

At least 11 crew members have been found dead after two cargo ships caught fire in the Kerch Strait near Crimea, according to media reports. Rescue efforts are underway for missing crew members.

Both Tanzanian flagged gas carriers, Candy and Maestro had a combined total of 31 crew members, 15 from India and 16 Turkish citizens.

RT news, a Russian television network, quoted that at least 11 sailors have died as informed by Russian Maritime Agency. Presumably, an explosion occurred on one of the vessels during transferring of fuel, resulting in a fire which spread to another vessel. Reports said crew members who jumped overboard suffered burn wounds and hypothermia.

So far twelve persons have been rescued whereas nine sailors are still listed as missing.

Severe weather conditions at sea have prevented rescue ships from taking victims to the shore for medical treatment, according to reports.

Reference: The Guardian/Reuters

Source: Maritime Shipping News