The FORTIS cargo ship, damaged in a drone attack, was towed to Turkey after its crew of 10 was evacuated amid fire concerns from its cargo hold.
The Russian-flagged bulk carrier named FORTIS, reported to have been damaged in a drone attack in the Black Sea, was towed to Turkey's Black Sea coast after the evacuation of its 10-member crew. The vessel was anchored off the coast of Giresun, and teams intervened after smoke was seen rising from its cargo hold.
According to a news report by the international maritime publication PortNews dated October 13, 2026, efforts are being evaluated for the discharge of 3,300 tons of chickpeas on board the vessel.
The FORTIS was en route from Novorossiysk to Mersin.
The FORTIS, loaded with 3,300 tons of chickpeas from Russia's Novorossiysk Port, was on its way to Turkey's Mersin Port.
The ship sustained damage during a drone attack while navigating in the Black Sea. Following the attack, the 10-member crew on board was evacuated.
PortNews did not specify the exact date of the attack or which side carried it out.
After the crew's evacuation, the uncontrolled drifting vessel reached the open waters off the Keşap district of Giresun due to the currents in the Black Sea.
The Coast Guard secured the vessel.
The FORTIS, drifting without crew off the coast of Keşap, was noticed by local fishermen.
Upon the fishermen's alert, the Turkish Coast Guard teams were activated, and they towed the vessel to anchor off Giresun Port.
Thus, the ship, which was drifting uncontrollably after the attack, was brought to a safe anchorage area.
Smoke rose from the cargo hold loaded with chickpeas.
It was determined that smoke was rising from the cargo hold of the FORTIS, which was anchored off Giresun Port.
With 3,300 tons of chickpeas in the ship's hold, teams from Giresun Port Authority intervened against the potential fire hazard.
The teams applied cooling measures to the vessel from the sea.
PortNews reported the development on the ship as a cooling operation conducted against the possibility of fire. The report did not include verified information regarding the occurrence of an open flame fire.
Discharge of the cargo in Giresun is on the agenda.
Discussions are ongoing regarding how to discharge the 3,300 tons of chickpeas carried by the FORTIS.
If the hatches of the ship can be opened, it is planned to discharge the cargo at Giresun Port.
If the hatches cannot be opened, towing the vessel with its cargo to a shipyard is among the options.
No definitive information has yet been disclosed regarding the date of discharge or which shipyard the vessel could be taken to.
FORTIS was built in 1985.
According to the ship information published by PortNews, FORTIS is a general cargo ship built in 1985, measuring 108 meters in length and having a carrying capacity of 3,734 DWT.
The registered owner of the vessel operating under the Russian flag is listed as Blue Wave Shipping Ltd-MTA, and its operator is Blue Wave Shipping Inc.
Blue Wave's areas of operation include dry cargo transportation in the Mediterranean, Black Sea, and Sea of Azov.
The company's transportation activities cover cargoes such as grains, agricultural products, coal, metals, fertilizers, and timber.
Current status of the vessel.
As of October 13, 2026, it was reported that the FORTIS was anchored off Giresun Port, its crew had previously been evacuated, and options for the discharge of the chickpea cargo on board were being evaluated.
Details regarding the exact date of the attack, the extent of the damage to the vessel, and when the cargo will be discharged have not yet been disclosed.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
