Ninova Vessel Reviews and Specifications

In a recent maritime operation, the former cargo ship, known for its unfortunate circumstances, was successfully towed by the tugboat Bozok after being beached. This incident has garnered attention as efforts continue to safely manage and dispose of the vessel, ensuring minimal environmental impact. The towing operation highlights the critical role of tugboats in maritime rescue and salvage operations, showcasing the skills of the dedicated crew aboard the Bozok. As the story unfolds, stakeholders remain vigilant in addressing the challenges posed by beached ships in regional waters.

In a significant maritime operation, the cargo ship 'Ninova,' which ran aground off the coast of Karasu on May 1, 2023, was successfully refloated on July 11, 2023. After a meticulous unloading process that began on July 7, the ship's cargo of 1,775 tons of ammonium nitrate was lightered using a Sennebogen excavator onto the ferry 'Bahri Reis 3' (IMO: 11519838). The transport of the hazardous cargo was completed in six trips to Karasu Port. Upon completion of the cargo transfer, Coastguard teams implemented security measures in the area as efforts commenced to maneuver the grounded vessel. A combination of a chain and rope, connected to an anchor placed about 250 meters from 'Ninova' and 500 meters offshore, was utilized alongside a generator-powered pulley to successfully turn the ship’s bow towards the open sea. This operation marked the culmination of 71 days since the ship's grounding, with further evaluations conducted post-salvage. Comprehensive technical inspections were undertaken, including a damage assessment performed by diving teams, which confirmed the necessary repairs and reinforcements were successfully completed. A Backup Navigation Report was then prepared, ensuring the ship was deemed safe for sea transportation. On May 16, 2023, the tug 'Bozok' (IMO: 271010014) towed 'Ninova' away from its location, heading toward the recycling facilities in Aliağa. This extensive salvage operation not only ensured the safe removal of potentially hazardous materials from the area but also highlighted the collaborative efforts of maritime authorities and salvage teams. For more details on the rescue operation, visit: https://www.seanews.com.tr/article/ninova-ship-stranded-in-karasu-rescued-mrq2tx40 and https://turkdeniz.com/karasuda-karaya-oturan-ninova-isimli-gemi-71-gun-sonra-kurtarildi. Additional visuals can be found on Instagram and YouTube.

Following a grounding incident off the coast of Karasu district on May 1, the 'Ninova' has finally entered the unloading phase on July 7. This significant step is part of an extensive salvage operation taking place in Sakarya. To assist in the operation, a RORO vessel and a work ship have positioned themselves alongside the grounded cargo ship on its starboard side. For further details and visuals, visit the report here: https://www.reutersconnect.com/item/unloading-begins-for-cargo-ship-grounded-off-the-karasu-coast-in-sakarya/dGFnOnJldXRlcnMuY29tLDIwMjY6bmV3c21sX01UMUFOQURMMDAwVzJITlA0.

On May 1, 2026, at 9 a.m., the cargo vessel 'Ninova' ran aground just 85 meters from the shoreline in the Karasu district of Sakarya, Turkey. The incident occurred as the ship struggled to maintain control in severe storm conditions characterized by high waves and strong winds. Initially, the vessel began dragging anchor before ultimately grounding. Emergency responders quickly mobilized, with the Directorate General of Coastal Safety (KEGM) deploying the Coast Guard, AFAD (Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency), local police, and fire personnel to the scene. However, adverse weather, including heavy surf and intermittent rain, made water-based rescue efforts impossible. Attempts to airlift the crew using a helicopter were also thwarted by the strong winds. In a coordinated effort, responders utilized a breeches buoy system to execute the evacuation. A guideline was successfully launched from the shore to the ship, allowing the crew to secure a heavy line. Subsequently, one by one, all eight crew members were safely pulled ashore. The 'Ninova' has a troubled history; since being renamed in 2021, it has faced multiple safety challenges. Records revealed that the ship was sold in 2023, but the current ownership and management are registered as unknown. The Paris MOU authorities imposed a ban on the vessel in 2024 due to recurrent safety violations. It received numerous citations from inspectors, including 18 deficiencies reported by Russian authorities in June 2025, and an alarming 30 deficiencies by Turkish inspectors in August 2025. The ship had departed from Novorossiysk several weeks prior, anchoring north of Turkey before this recent grounding. For additional visual coverage, refer to the following reports with photos and videos: [Haberdenizde](https://www.haberdenizde.com/denizde-gundem/mahsur-denizciler-varageleyle-kurtarildi-video/) | [Maritime Executive](https://maritime-executive.com/article/turks-use-breeches-buoy-to-rescue-crew-from-grounded-cargo-ship) | [YouTube](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ycf1OxYr1ms).