World News | Russian Oil Tanker Suffers Explosion, 3 Crew Members Missing

Moscow, Oct 24 (AP) A Russian oil tanker was hit by an explosion in the Sea of Azov and a rescue operation was underway on Saturday for three missing crew members, officials said.

The Russian Emergencies Ministry said the explosion on the General Azi Aslanov took place as the tanker was en route from the port of Kavkaz to the port of Rostov-on-Don. Authorities said 10 members of the tanker's 13-person crew have been rescued, while the remaining three were believed to have been thrown overboard by the blast.

Also Read | COVID-19 Threat in North Korea: Citizens Told to Stay Indoors, State Media Says ‘Yellow Dust’ Blowing From China May Bring Virus Along.

Three rescue vessels were heading to the site to search for the missing crew.

The tanker has tilted and efforts to stabilize the ship were underway.

Also Read | Donald Trump Casts Vote for US Presidential Elections 2020 at Polling Station in Florida Before Hitting Campaign Trail.

Maritime officials said the tanker wasn't loaded and the explosion may have been triggered by flammable vapours left behind from the vessel's previous cargo. (AP)

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)