Eight Sailors Reported Missing After Kerch Strait Tanker Fire - Russian Authorities

SIMFEROPOL (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 22nd January, 2019) As many as eight people have been reported missing following the fire that broke out on board two Tanzania-flagged tankers in the Kerch Strait, the Russian Federal Agency of Maritime and River Transportation (Rosmorrechflot) told Sputnik amid the search and rescue operation.

"Eight people remain missing. The search and rescue operation continues," the agency's press service said.

According to preliminary information, the fire broke out on Monday during the transfer of the liquefied natural gas from one vessel to another. According to the latest data provided by Rosmorrechflot, at least 11 sailors were found dead and 12 others were rescued following the incident. A total of 31 people were on board the tankers. �