Rescue efforts for the grounded M/V NINOVA in Karasu advance as divers assess the vessel's condition following a severe storm.
SAKARYA – Due to the storm affecting the Black Sea, a critical phase has been reached in the salvage operations for the Cameroon-flagged bulk carrier M/V NINOVA, which ran aground in the Karasu district of Sakarya. With the improvement of weather conditions, underwater teams conducted dives to check the hull integrity of the vessel.
Evacuation Operation Was Breathtaking
On May 1, due to giant waves and strong winds, the 82-meter giant ship was dragged ashore at the Karasu Public Beach area while dragging anchor, causing hectic moments in the region. The Coast Guard and Port Authority teams established a 'varagele' system under conditions where intervention from the sea was impossible, successfully evacuating the 8 crew members from the ship using ropes without a single injury.
Technical Report Awaited
While the ship's personnel were accommodated in hotels, attention turned to how the vessel would be floated. A professional diving team that arrived in the area this morning conducted inspections on the submerged parts of the ship. During the dive, data was collected on:
Whether there were any tears or deformations in the hull,
The condition of the propeller and rudder system,
How deeply the ship was embedded in the ground.
No Risk of Environmental Pollution
Authorities confirmed that no fuel or oil pollution was detected leaking from the ship during the initial technical inspections. Protective barriers are being kept ready around the ship in case of a potential risk situation.
Evacuation Before the Tourism Season
Due to the critical importance of Karasu beach for tourism, it has been learned that the shipowner and insurance company are accelerating the salvage process. After the report prepared by the divers, a decision will be made on whether the ship will be floated with the help of tugboats or by using the sand removal method.
Although the ship has currently become a visual symbol on the Karasu coast, the teams' ultimate goal is to safely and quickly transport the vessel to open sea.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
