War in Ukraine: the cruiser Moskva has sunk, announces the Russian Ministry of Defense
Steph Deschamps / April 15, 2022
The cruiser Moskva, flagship of the Russian fleet in the Black Sea, damaged during the offensive against Ukraine, has sunk, announced Thursday evening the Russian Ministry of Defense.
During the towing of the cruiser Moskva to the port of destination, the ship lost its stability due to damage to the hull suffered during the fire following the detonation of munitions. In rough sea conditions, the ship sank, the ministry said, quoted by Russian agencies.
The Russian ministry had indicated earlier in the day that the fire on board was contained, and that the cruiser retained its buoyancy, while claiming to be investigating the causes of the disaster. No casualties have been reported.
The authorities had also indicated that the towing of the vessel was underway and that the crew of several hundred people had been evacuated to other ships of the Russian fleet in the Black Sea.
Ukraine, for its part, claimed to have attacked the building, which it said had been hit by missiles.
On the night of Wednesday to Thursday, the Russian ministry had recognized significant damage on the ship.