Russia's drone-hit oil tanker keeps sinking in Rostov-on-Don PHOTO

The Russian oil tanker Valery Gorchakov, which was struck by drones in Rostov-on-Don on December 18, is continuing to sink slowly,  according to a Ukrainian media outlet.

According to the report, the attack resulted in casualties among the crew. Two crew members — a cook and a mechanic — were killed, while three others, including the chief mate and two sailors, sustained injuries.

The drone strike reportedly occurred while the tanker was near the marine terminal of the Novoshakhtinsk Petroleum Products Plant. After being hit, the vessel began taking on water. By the morning, the stern of the tanker was almost completely submerged, nearly reaching the level of the superstructure.

Photographs from the scene indicate the absence of active rescue or emergency repair operations around the damaged vessel. The tanker has reportedly only been surrounded by protective containment booms, likely to prevent a potential oil spill.

As of the evening of December 17, the Valery Gorchakov was moored at Berth No. 69 of the Rostov-on-Don port, operated by Rosmortrans-Terminal, which specializes in handling petroleum products.

The Valery Gorchakov was originally built in 1969 as a dry cargo ship and was converted into an oil tanker in 2004, designed to transport petroleum products of all classes.

By Khagan Isayev