Russia-Ukraine Flash Report for 6-17-22 09:25 PDT - Russian Ship Sunk
Added 2022-06-17 16:25:29 +0000 UTCThe Russian navy project 22870 rescue tugboat Vasily Bekh was hit by two Neptune or Harpoon missiles and sunk while in transit to Snake Island.
The Vasily Bekh was not your ordinary tug boat. Measuring 57 meters long and 14 meters wide, it had a top speed of 14 knots and was designed for ocean recovery and tow duties. It was capable of limited search and rescue operations, at-sea repairs, firefighting, and could support dive operations down to 60 meters. The vessel had a TOR antiaircraft system added to the rear deck.
The boat was being used as a resupply vessel for Snake Island. Based on video evidence and available intelligence, we are 100% confident two missiles hit the ship. We cannot confirm that ship sunk, but at just 1,200 tons and the secondary explosion of the antiaircraft system, it is improbable the vessel remained afloat.
Historically, Russia has responded harshly against civilian targets in Odesa and western Ukraine after naval assets have been sunk. Russia's success at striking targets in the western parts of Ukraine has been diminished partially because of improved antiship technology.
The Black Sea Fleet is now standing off about 100 kilometers from the southwest coast of Ukraine to avoid the weapons (beyond supply ships to Snake Island). Missiles fired, mostly from submarines now, travel 5 to 7 minutes before reaching the shoreline, enabling antiaircraft systems to accurately calculate a firing solution, dramatically increasing the success rate of interceptions.
