Strike on Turkish bulk carrier in the Black Sea: 10 deaths already known
Four dead sailors from the Turkish civilian vessel GOLDEN LEO, which was struck by three missiles by the Russian army on July 19, have been found.
Thus, it is already known that 10 people died as a result of the Russian attack – 9 foreign crew members and a Ukrainian pilot. The number of deaths was reported to UNIAN by the press service of the Odessa Regional Prosecutor's Office.
"As of the morning of July 20, it is already known that 10 people died from the enemy attack on the foreign civilian vessel. Seven more people were injured," the agency added.
The press service emphasized that among the dead are foreign sailors aged 19 to 53; a 66-year-old Ukrainian pilot also died.
"A criminal case has been opened under Part 2 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine – war crimes that resulted in the deaths of people," the prosecutor's office reported.
As clarified by the state enterprise "Administration of Sea Ports of Ukraine," the merchant vessel flying the flag of Guinea-Bissau, which was leaving a Ukrainian port after loading corn, had 17 crew members – citizens of Syria and India – on board. The foreign vessel was accompanied by a pilot from the "Delta-Pilot" branch of the specified state enterprise.
It is noted that the search and rescue operation continued throughout the night. The fire on the vessel has been localized. Eight crew members were rescued and brought ashore.
"Unfortunately, 10 people, including the pilot of the SE 'AMPU,' died," the statement said.
