Russian strike on fertilizer carrier in Ukrainian port kills five crew members

Russian forces struck a civilian merchant vessel sailing under the Togolese flag while it was unloading mineral fertilisers at a port in Ukraine's Odesa region, according to Oleksii Kuleba, Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration and Minister for Communities and Territories Development.

The strike hit the vessel's superstructure, sparking a fire. Initial reports said three crew members were killed and five others were injured.

All of the injured were hospitalised and are receiving medical treatment.

Ukraine's Sea Ports Administration said the attack also damaged port infrastructure and other civilian facilities within the port area.

“Over the past few days, Russian terror has claimed six lives. These were port workers, truck drivers and seafarers who were simply doing their jobs and had no connection to military operations. We extend our sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed,” the administration said.

UPDATE (July 13, 4:00 p.m.). Oleg Kiper, head of the Odesa Region Military Administration, said that firefighters discovered the bodies of two crew members while extinguishing the fire aboard the vessel.

The death toll from the attack has therefore risen to five, while ten other people were injured. All of the dead and injured were members of the ship's crew.