ANKARA, January 17. /TASS/: Russian diplomats have set off for the Turkish port of Bartin to offer consular services to Russian nationals who might have been aboard the bulk carrier that sank on Sunday off the Turkish coast, Irina Kasimova, a spokeswoman for the Russian embassy to Turkey, told TASS.
"The Avrin bulk carrier flying the flag of Palau sank in the Black Sea near the Bartin anchoring birth at 12:16 local time. According to the local authorities, there were 12 crewmembers aboard. As of 15:15, six crewmembers were saved and two more were found dead. The search and rescue operation continues," she said.
According to Kasimova, employees of the Russian embassy’s consular department have been seconded to Bartin to offer consular assistance and coordinate efforts with the local authorities.
The vessel sank near Turkey’s Inkumu, Bartin Province. According to Bartin Province Governor Sinan Guner, at least four crewmembers have died and six more have been saved.
Meanwhile, the Russian Federal Agency of Sea and River Transport said earlier there had been 12 crewmembers, including two Russian nationals, aboard the vessels owned by a Ukrainian company.
