08.05.2026 18:06
All 8 crew members stranded on a Cameroon-flagged dry cargo ship that ran aground due to a storm off the coast of Karasu district in Sakarya were rescued alive after hours of challenging efforts. Following the successful completion of the 6.5-hour operation, the last evacuated personnel opening a Turkish flag while being pulled ashore marked the rescue moments.
Eight crew members stranded on a Cameroon-flagged dry cargo ship that ran aground due to a storm off the coast of Karasu district in Sakarya were safely rescued after hours of intensive efforts. Despite the challenging weather conditions, it was notable that the last personnel waved the Turkish flag at the end of the completed operation.
SHIP DRIFTED AND RAN AGROUND IN THE STORM
The Cameroon-flagged dry cargo ship named "NINOVA" lost control and began drifting due to severe wind and adverse weather conditions in the morning. The crew was stranded shortly after the ship ran aground near the shore.
TEAMS MOBILIZED
Upon notification, teams from the General Directorate of Coastal Safety, Coast Guard, AFAD, gendarmerie, and fire department were dispatched to the area. Due to the risk of sea intervention because of the storm, high waves, and rain, the teams planned an alternative rescue method. Karasu District Governor Mehmet Uğur Arslan also accompanied the efforts on site.
EVACUATION LINE ESTABLISHED FROM LAND
The teams established an evacuation line by firing a rope to the ship using a rocket system from land. Through this system, all 8 personnel, 7 Azerbaijani and 1 Turkish, stranded on the ship were pulled to the shore one by one using special transport baskets. Time was of the essence throughout the operation.
EMOTIONAL MOMENTS DURING FINAL EVACUATION
At the end of the operation lasting about 6.5 hours, all crew members were safely brought to land. The waving of the Turkish flag by the last evacuated personnel while being pulled to shore became a symbol of the rescue efforts.
HEALTH CONDITIONS ARE GOOD
It was learned that the general health conditions of the rescued crew are good. The personnel, taken into ambulances kept ready for potential risks, were handed over to health teams for check-ups. Security measures in the area continued for a while longer.