A Turkish-owned civilian cargo ship carrying grain was struck by Russian missiles while leaving a combat zone, killing at least six people.

The GOLDEN LEO, sailing under the flag of Guinea-Bissau, was reportedly attacked by Russian forces with three Kh-59/Kh-69 cruise missiles. The vessel is owned by a Turkish shipping company, The Caspian Post reports via the Ukrainian Navy.

Ukrainian officials said one of the missiles hit the starboard side of the ship's superstructure, sparking a fire on board. At the time of the attack, the vessel was transporting a grain cargo and was carrying 17 Syrian and Indian nationals, as well as a Ukrainian harbor pilot.

According to the Ukrainian Navy, six people were killed in the strike, while four crew members remain missing. Search and rescue operations are continuing.

The Ukrainian Navy and the Maritime Search and Rescue Service responded to the incident. Eight crew members were rescued and evacuated to a hospital in Odesa for treatment.