Cargo Ship Sinks in Black Sea, Two Crew Confirmed Deceased

Two seafarers have lost their lives, while four others are missing after a cargo ship sank in the Black Sea, according to the Turkish Coast Guard.

The Panama-flagged coal ship Volgo Balt 214 encountered trouble and sank in rough weather conditions off the coast of Turkey in the morning hours of January 7.

At the time of the incident, the 3,492 dwt vessel was crewed by 13 sailors. The search and rescue teams managed to locate and bring seven seafarers to safety, while relevant authorities confirmed that two crew members were deceased.

Search and rescue teams are currently looking for the remaining four unaccounted for sailors, however, inclement weather conditions at the site are hampering search efforts.

The 1978-built Volgo Balt 214 was on its way from the Russian port of Azov to Samsun, Turkey when it ran into trouble. Exact cause of the incident is still not familiar.

A plane, three helicopters and two boats were taking part in the rescue operation, according to the Turkish Coast Guard.

World Maritime News Staff