Russia Targets Civilian Grain Ship With Kh-59/Kh-69 Missiles

Russian forces launched three Kh-59/Kh-69 cruise missiles at the civilian bulk carrier GOLDEN LEO, sailing under the flag of Guinea-Bissau.

According to the Ukrainian Navy, the vessel was leaving Ukraine with a cargo of grain when it came under attack.

One of the missiles struck the starboard side of the ship’s superstructure, sparking a fire on board.

The missile strike killed five people, and the whereabouts of five other crew members remain unknown.

The Ukrainian Navy and the State enterprise “Maritime Search and Rescue Service” were dispatched to assist with the rescue operation.

As of 8:30 p.m. on July 19, eight evacuated crew members had been transported to a hospital in Odesa.

The GOLDEN LEO bulk carrier is owned by a Turkish company.