World
08:01, 22-Jan-2019
At least 14 killed after two ships catch fire in Kerch Strait
Updated
16:32, 22-Jan-2019
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The death toll after two Tanzanian-flagged ships caught fire in the Kerch Strait on Monday has risen to 14, Russian news agency TASS reported, citing a Crimean emergency source.
As many as 12 people have been rescued. The search and rescue efforts continue to locate the six people who remain missing.
Earlier, two vessels with a total of 31 members on board caught fire while moving through the Kerch Strait separating Crimea from mainland Russia. One of the ships was reportedly rocked by a blast.
The ship on fire in the Kerch Strait near Crimea, January 21, 2019. /VCG Photo
The ship on fire in the Kerch Strait near Crimea, January 21, 2019. /VCG Photo
Preliminary reports said the 31 are citizens of India and Turkey.
Maritime traffic in the Kerch Strait was not affected by the incident and ship movement in the area is proceeding normally, according to local officials.