"During a rescue operation 23 people were saved and 12 bodies were recovered," the ministry said in a statement. "The search and rescue operation is under way. More information will follow."
According to preliminary information, as many as 36 people were aboard the motor boat, the ministry said.
On Saturday afternoon, the Ivolga pleasure boat left a private base near the town of Belgorod-Dnestrovsky into the sea and capsized on its way back.
Odessa regional Deputy Governor Vladimir Zhmak said high waves and the absence of life jackets led to the deaths.
Follow us on Telegram
t.me/apanewsaz
Follow us on Instagram
Follow us on TikTok
Follow us on Facebook
Follow us on X
