Border patrol boat blown up in Mariupol

Several hours ago, a boat exploded in the sea near the coast of Mariupol right in front of holidaymakers, who said it looked very much like a border patrol vessel.

Official sources later confirmed the information about the explosion and that the boat indeed belonged to Ukraine's border service and was patrolling the sea area in the Primorsky district.

Several border patrol boats, tugs, and vessels from the emergency diving service immediately arrived at the scene. Ambulances were waiting for the rescuers on the shore. Four border guards were injured in the explosion; three of them sustained moderate injuries, and one suffered minor injuries. Nothing is yet known about the fate of three other border guards who were on the boat. The vessel sustained significant damage and sank at the site of the explosion, four kilometres from the shore.

The injured have been taken to medical facilities in the city, where they are receiving necessary assistance. The cause of the explosion is being investigated.