Russian forces launched three Kh-59/Kh-69 air-launched missiles at the GOLDEN LEO bulk carrier, a Guinea-Bissau-flagged vessel carrying grain from Ukraine, according to the Ukrainian Navy.
The attack occurred as the vessel was departing a Ukrainian port. One of the missiles struck the starboard side of the ship’s superstructure, causing a fire on board.
According to Ukrainian authorities, five people were killed, while five crew members remain missing.
Units of the Ukrainian Navy and the Maritime Search and Rescue Service were deployed to the scene to assist with rescue operations.
As of 8:30 p.m. on July 19, eight evacuated crew members had been taken to a hospital in Odesa.
The GOLDEN LEO bulk carrier is owned by a Turkish company.
