Ukrainian Attack Causes Ferry to Sink in Russian Port

A ferry loaded with fuel tanks sank in the Russian port of Kavkaz following a Ukrainian attack. Local authorities report significant damage, a fire, and an ongoing rescue operation. Seventeen crew members have been rescued, but two are still missing. The incident has prompted a substantial emergency response.

A ferry loaded with fuel tanks sank in the Russian port of Kavkaz in the southern Krasnodar region on Thursday following a Ukrainian attack, local authorities reported.

The vessel, carrying 30 fuel tanks, sustained significant damage and caught fire. Fyodor Babenkov, district head of the town of Temryuk, revealed that 17 crew members were rescued, but two remain unaccounted for. The Krasnodar region's governor announced ongoing rescue operations on his Telegram channel.

Ukraine has not commented on the incident. Russian state news agency TASS, citing the ministry of transport, confirmed the evacuation of all port employees. A special fire-fighting train was dispatched, and over 100 personnel were involved in tackling the blaze. Images and videos shared by Russian media depicted the fire and plumes of black smoke, but Reuters could not verify their authenticity.

The fire did not spread to the port premises, TASS reported. The port of Kavkaz, one of Russia's largest on the Black Sea, plays a crucial role in export operations and supplying fuel to Crimea.

(With inputs from agencies.)