At least 11 killed after two ships catch fire in Kerch Strait

Two Tanzanian-flagged ships caught fire in the Kerch Strait on Monday, killing at least 11 people, Russian media reported, citing the country's maritime agency.

Another 12 people have been saved as the rescue operation is ongoing.

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

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.

(CGTN)