Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced Wednesday that 4 Turkish citizens lost their lives while other 4 Turkish citizens are still missing in the fire outbreak in 2 separate ships on Monday at Kerch Strait.

"We have received the news with sorrow that some crew members, including our nationals, in two vessels -Maestro and Candy- under the Tanzanian flag, lost their lives due to the fire disaster on 21 January 2019 off the Kerch Strait," the statement read.

"Since breaking of the news of this closely-monitored incident, initial investigations revealed that 8 out of 16 Turkish crew members were rescued while 4 lost their lives," the ministry said while added that search and rescue missions are underway for 4 missing Turkish citizens.

Wishing mercy from Allah for the killed Turkish citizens, the ministry conveyed its condolences for the families. "We wish the mercy of Allah be upon those who lost their lives in this tragic accident and express our condolences to their families and relatives."

The ministry lastly added that they are carrying out the necessary efforts to ensure that the funerals are brought back to Turkiye as soon as possible. (ILKHA)