The fire on the Yenisey container ship, which was undergoing repairs at the naval port of Baltiisk, broke out on Thursday afternoon, and raged for six and a half hours. The cause of the blaze is not yet known, but is believed to be as a result of a fuel tank explosion.

"Another two bodies had been recovered from the Yenisey vessel by 19:30 Moscow time, which raises the death toll to nine people," Capt. 1st Rank Igor Dygalo said by phone.

The official added that the bodies still require identification.