A number of seafarers have died after fire ripped through two ships near the Kerch Strait on Monday.
Global media outlets say 10 or 11 Turkish and India crew from the vessels have perished in the incident. At least 12 are said to have survived.
Reuters, the New York Times and the BBC all report seafarers jumping from the vessels to escape the flames and smoke.
While details are limited at this stage, the vessels are named in global reports as the Tanzania flagged Kandy and Maestro.
Early attempts to secure further details about the ships involved have been unsuccessful.
Reports citing the RIA news agency say the vessels were involved in fuel transfer operations when an explosion occurred.
If they were undertaking a ship to ship transfer or simply bunkering is not yet clear.
According to the New York Times at least 10 other vessels are involved in rescue efforts.
