Four Indian crew members aboard the AZRA C vessel, which has been anchored off Zeytinburnu, Istanbul for six months, are awaiting assistance. The crew, whose owners were arrested during a drug operation, is waiting for the day they can return to their home country.

A humanitarian crisis continues aboard the AZRA C vessel, which has been anchored off Zeytinburnu, Istanbul for approximately six months. The origins of the crisis date back to a major drug operation conducted on January 7, 2026, off the Canary Islands. Spanish security forces carried out an operation on the Cameroonian-flagged bulk carrier named UNITED S, which was sailing in international waters. During the operation, approximately 10 tons of cocaine were seized, and 13 crew members, including four Turkish citizens, were taken into custody.

AZRA C LEFT WITHOUT OWNERS

In the investigation conducted by the Istanbul Police Department's Narcotic Crimes Unit, it was claimed that a criminal organization led by Çetin Gören initially planned the drug shipment using AZRA C, but due to a malfunction of the vessel, the UNITED S was used for the transport. After the arrest of the shipowners, the AZRA C was left without owners.

4 CREW MEMBERS REMAIN ON BOARD

Initially, there were 12 Indian sailors on the ship. After two individuals left due to health issues, the remaining six crew members were sent back to their country last week. However, due to maritime regulations, the ship cannot be left completely empty, so four crew members are still being held on board. The remaining crew members, Arpit Kumar, Tippana Kondando Rao, Amod Kumar Singh, and Mool Chand Maurya, have called for help, stating that they are experiencing shortages of water and fuel. In messages reflected in radio logs, the crew expressed, 'We are desperate, no one is helping. We cannot survive like this; we will die here.'

PORT AUTHORITY INTERVENED

According to the information obtained, the Port Authority is closely monitoring the situation, while DAD-DER and ITF are regularly providing the crew with provisions, drinking water, and basic necessities. Discussions with consulates for the crew's return to their home countries are also ongoing.

15 MORE VESSELS IN THE SAME SITUATION

Maritime experts indicate that the AZRA C incident is not an isolated case. Experts point out that there are approximately 15 foreign-flagged risky vessels facing similar economic and legal issues along the Turkish coasts, emphasizing that abandoned ships and the protection of seafarers have become an increasingly significant international responsibility.

Arif Sinan Ünlü, one of the lawyers for the ship's crew, stated in an interview with Hürriyet that the Port Authority has been closely monitoring the issue throughout the process, and necessary actions are being coordinated with relevant institutions, organizations, and consulates. He summarized the situation as follows: 'Intensive efforts are being made, especially regarding the safety of the personnel remaining on board, the secure maintenance of the vessel, and the prevention of potential risks. The critical level of fuel on the ship and the decrease in the number of crew members elevate the issue beyond just the crew's victimization. This situation also creates a risk area that must be seriously evaluated in terms of ship safety, navigation safety, and safety of life at sea.'

Source: SeaNews Türkiye