Kocaeli, Turkey – September 20, 2025 — A Tanzanian-flagged cargo ship, Rapid, ran aground off Turkey’s Black Sea coast this week, forcing authorities to launch a helicopter rescue that successfully evacuated all seven crew members.
The 81-metre general cargo vessel, built in 1991, had departed Bartın for Chornomorsk, Ukraine, laden with 2,135 tonnes of gypsum. According to Turkish maritime officials, the ship encountered strong winds and heavy seas early on 18 September, which drove it onto the rocky shoreline near Pembe Kayalıklar, close to Kefken in Kocaeli Province.
Dramatic Helicopter Rescue
The vessel’s crew — six Ukrainians and one Iranian — found themselves stranded as rough seas made a boat transfer impossible. The Turkish Coast Guard deployed a helicopter, airlifting the seafarers one by one from the deck to safety. All were reported to be in good health, with no injuries sustained during the operation.
“The adverse weather meant sea rescue was not feasible. The helicopter evacuation ensured the crew’s safety under very difficult conditions,” a Coast Guard spokesperson confirmed.
No Pollution Detected
Authorities reported that no environmental pollution has been observed from the incident, though the grounded vessel remains lodged against the coastal rocks. With the cargo consisting of gypsum, which poses minimal environmental hazard, attention is focused on monitoring the ship’s fuel tanks for any potential leaks.
Salvage Awaiting Better Weather
Salvage operations are being prepared but will only proceed once conditions at sea improve. Current swells and strong winds in the Black Sea continue to pose risks to both salvage crews and the stranded vessel.
Troubled Safety Record
The Rapid has faced mounting scrutiny over safety compliance. In August, the vessel was detained for nearly two weeks after port state control inspectors uncovered around 30 deficiencies, including faulty navigational alarms and missing oil spill response documentation. Previous inspections in 2024 and early 2025 also flagged a series of safety and technical shortcomings.
Maritime experts note that such incidents reinforce concerns about aging vessels sailing under flags of convenience, particularly in busy and weather-exposed waters like the Black Sea.
Wider Implications
While the immediate crisis has been resolved with the safe evacuation of the crew, Turkish maritime authorities face the challenge of refloating and securing the vessel without further incident. The case also underscores the importance of rigorous safety standards, as vessels with repeated deficiencies remain a recurring hazard in regional waters.
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