Estonian cargo ship SINKS after 'hitting a MINE' off Ukraine coast near Odessa 

An Estonian-owned cargo ship has been sunk off the coast of Ukraine following an explosion. 

The Helt is believed to have hit a mine and four crew members are still missing.

Two others are in a life raft at sea after the blast near Odessa, Igor Ilves, managing director of Tallinn-based manager Vista Shipping Agency, told Reuters.

Estonia is a member of NATO, leading to fears the sinking could spark further conflict in Eastern Europe. 

It comes after the Russian Black Sea Fleet was accused of using civilian vessels as human shields in the invasion of Ukraine.

Ukraine’s armed forces said: ‘For the safety of civil navigation, the Navy of the Armed Forces of Ukraine closed navigation in the north-western part of the Black Sea.

‘At the same time, the Russian Black Sea Fleet continues the tactics of Russian ground forces trying to hide behind civilian lives.’ 

More to follow.