The flagship of the Russian Navy’s Black Sea Fleet suffered serious damages due to an ammunition detonation caused by a fire, the Ministry said.

According to the Ministry’s report, the ship’s main weapons, including missiles, were not damaged. “The ship’s crew has been evacuated to Black Sea Fleet ships located in the zone. Measures are being taken to tow the ship to harbor,” it said.

The Ministry of Defense stated that the causes of the fire that occurred in the early morning hours are currently being investigated.

The Moscow missile cruiser was commissioned in 1983 under the name Slava and in 1996 it was given its current name. Its main attack armament is 16 P-1000 Vulcan missile launchers, TASS news agency reported.

jg/arm/mem/mml