"Latest data indicates 12 people alive and 11 dead," Rosmorrechflot's press service told Sputnik.
According to Rosmorrechflot, crew members jumped into the sea to escape the flames.
17 January 2019, 14:34 GMT
According to previous reports, the Tanzania-flagged vessels caught fire in the Kerch Strait earlier in the day. A total of 31 crew members, manned with sailors from India and Turkey, were on board the ships at the time of the incident.
According to preliminary data, the fire on the tankers started during a transfer of LNG between the two vessels.
Seven vessels of different classes are currently involved in the rescue operation, the official said.
