Cargo Ship Sinks in Black Sea-Three Dead and Nine Missing

A cargo ship transporting about 33 tons of coal sank on the Black Sea near Istanbul after sending an SOS on Tuesday morning. One sailor is known to be dead and two rescuers died when their rescue boat slammed into rocks in rough seas. Two other rescuers are also missing as well as nine others have been reported missing. But, four crewmembers were rescued. The ship was crewed by Ukrainians and Russians.

The Volgo Balt 199 was built in 1976, 3498 DWT,  and is owned by Valship- Izmail, Ukraine. According to Turkey’s Coastal Safety Authority, the search and rescue mission has been extremely difficult due to gust of 50 mph (80 kilometers) and heavy seas.

Reports say another ship with a Russian crew of 14, had mechanical failure and tugboats were sent to assist it. Ferry service on the Bosporus Strait has been suspended.