A patrol vessel of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet was compelled to open fire on the Apache bulk carrier that was sailing toward the Mariupol port, to prevent it, Igor Konashenkov, Russia’s Defense Ministry Spokesman reportedly said on Saturday.

Per TASS, a Russian news agency, the border patrol ships and warships of the Black Sea Fleet started artillery fire toward the intruder’s vessel to hinder its movements. A direct hit set the vessel’s stern on fire.

ship hit during war — Representation Image – Credits: Міністерство оборони України

Per the spokesman, when the cargo vessel from Ukraine went adrift, the crew members managed to establish contact with the border vessels pleading to stop the fire and stating their willingness and readiness to obey the orders of Russia’s sailors.

Reference: tass.com