Russian navy ship sinks after crash with freighter in Black Sea near Turkey

Crews of both ships are thought to be safe

Russian Navy's reconnaissance ship Liman of the Black Sea fleet, pictured in October 2016 (REUTERS)

A Russian naval reconnaissance ship has sunk after it crashed into a freighter carrying livestock in the Black Sea, near Turkey.

Russia's defence ministry said the Liman was holed as a result of the collision that happened on Thursday about 40km (25 miles) northwest of the Bosphorus Strait, in foggy conditions.

All 78 personnel aboard were rescued, it was reported. The freighter's crew is also thought to be safe.

Sky News reported the ship had sunk, citing Turkey's coastal safety authority.

A separate dispatch had suggested 15 Russian soldiers were missing after the crash.

The transport vessel was flying a Togo flag and was identified as Youzarsif H by the GAC shipping agent.

The intelligence-gathering ship was is part of Russia's Black Sea fleet.