A Russian naval intelligence ship has sunk off Turkey’s Black Sea coast after colliding with a freighter carrying livestock.

Coastguards say all 78 personnel on board the “Liman” have been evacuated to safety.

#UPDATE Russian navy ship sinks, crew saved: Turkish coastguard — AFP news agency (@AFP) 27 avril 2017

Russian Navy ship sinks in Black Sea after collision with freighter https://t.co/kcF9XWISnLpic.twitter.com/ZPPyMXvUT4 — NBC News (@NBCNews) 27 avril 2017

What happened?

The ship collided with the Togo-registered “Youzarsif H”, officials say.

A tugboat and three fast rescue vessels were despatched to the scene.

There was fog in the area and visibility is said to have been low.

Turkish media are reporting that the collision happened 29 kilometres offshore from Kilyos village, on the coast just north of Istanbul.