Project 22870 tugboat

Project 22870 is a series of rescue tugs in service with the Russian Navy designed by the Vympel Design Bureau, intended for towing ships in distress, fire fighting, medical evacuation, and rescue operations.

Operational history

During the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the tugboat Spasatel Vasily Bekh was hit and sunk on 17 June 2022 by two anti-ship missiles fired by Ukrainian forces. The vessel was allegedly transporting weapons and ammunition to Snake Island, which was occupied by Russian forces at the time.