Erkan Nika, second engineer of the Aroyat, remains missing after the vessel's attack. His family seeks help in locating him.
Second Engineer Erkan Nika Missing from Aroyat
The fate of second engineer Erkan Nika, who went missing following the attack on the Aroyat vessel, remains uncertain. His family continues to call for assistance in locating the seafarer.
The wait continues for Erkan Nika, the second engineer of the Aroyat ship, which is reported to have been attacked near Novorossiysk in the Black Sea. In statements made by the family, it is noted that Nika was not among the rescued crew and that no information has been obtained regarding his whereabouts or health status.
Search efforts are ongoing
A shared image from a Russian newspaper indicates that Erkan Nika is still missing following the attack and that search operations are continuing. However, the source of the image and the current scope of the search efforts have not been independently verified.
Nika's brother, Erizon Nika, stated in his remarks that all sections of the ship should be meticulously checked and that priority should be given to efforts to locate his brother. The family expressed that they remain hopeful for the return of Erkan Nika.
Family is reaching out to those with information
Erizon Nika has requested support from individuals connected to port authorities, hospitals, coast guard units, and rescue teams in Novorossiysk. The family has asked anyone with information about the rescued crew or Erkan Nika to contact them.
What happened on the Aroyat?
The Palau-flagged, Turkish-owned bulk carrier Aroyat was reported to have sustained damage after being struck by an object believed to be a drone near Novorossiysk in the last week of September. A fire that broke out in the living quarters of the ship caused severe damage to the superstructure, and it was announced by the family that second engineer Erkan Nika was missing. The Maritime Executive reported the incident date as September 27, 2026, while the family’s statement mentioned September 25.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
