Incident during Russian Naval Exercise
Reports from Russian media channels revealed a tragic incident during a Baltic Fleet exercise on March 19, where a missile mistakenly struck the trawler Captain Lobanov, resulting in a devastating fire.
Details of the Incident
During a naval exercise near Kaliningrad, Russia, the trawler Captain Lobanov was hit by a missile, leading to the loss of three crew members and injuries to four others. The missile struck the ship’s captain’s cabin, causing significant damage and engulfing the vessel in flames.
Discrepancy in Official Reports
Initial reports downplayed the severity of the incident, referring to it as a mere “fire” onboard. However, a crew member’s relative disclosed that the missile directly targeted the captain’s cabin, raising questions about the accuracy of official statements.
Survivors’ Accounts
Surviving crew members, after being taken to a hospital for treatment, were reportedly interrogated by Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) and instructed not to discuss the incident. This led to frustration among the survivors’ families, who highlighted the discrepancy between official reports and the actual events.
Public Reaction
Anton Gerashchenko, a former adviser to Ukraine’s minister of internal affairs, commented on the incident, suggesting that the Russians had unintentionally destroyed their own ship during the exercise.
