The Tanzania-flagged general cargo vessel Rapid ran aground on the rocks off Pembe Kayalıklar near Kefken in Turkey’s Kocaeli province on Thursday morning, after heavy weather pushed the ship toward the coast.
Seven crew members were airlifted by a Coast Guard helicopter, and authorities reported no environmental pollution.
Rapid, built in 1991 and measuring about 81 meters, was carrying 2,135 tonnes of gypsum on a voyage from Bartın, Turkey, to Chornomorsk, Ukraine.
The response was coordinated by the Turkish Coast Guard, the General Directorate of Coastal Safety (KEGM), disaster agency AFAD, gendarmerie and fire services.
A patrol boat, TCSG-910, and helicopter, TCSG-504, took part in the operation. The Kandıra district governor visited the site as strong winds and heavy seas continued.
Officials said the rescued crew included six Ukrainians and one Iranian, all in good condition. Salvage preparations were underway as of Friday.
The Ministry of Transport stated that authorities were alerted early on September 18 and dispatched KEGM rescue resources and land teams. The Kocaeli Governor’s Office also confirmed the absence of a spill and listed the responding units.