Working Conditions Aboard the Phoenician-m

An independent report has highlighted a pressing need for international intervention in the case of two senior seafarers, Ali Albokhari and Marko Bekavac, who were convicted of drug trafficking in Türkiye. The organization Human Rights at Sea (HRAS) stresses significant inconsistencies in the evidence, indicating a potential 'grave miscarriage of justice.' The Syrian-born Albokhari, a Finnish citizen, and Croatian captain Bekavac were aboard the 'Phoenician M' when a cocaine haul was discovered in Colombia in 2023, later allegedly linked to Türkiye. The HRAS report raised three main concerns: the lack of cross-border evidence, an unverified chain of custody regarding the drugs seized in Türkiye, and the reliance on the officers’ positions without clear evidence of their knowledge or involvement in the trafficking. With Albokhari's family reporting increased threats from prison authorities regarding a transfer to Finland to serve his now-extended 33-year sentence, the urgency has escalated. The organization's report fears this ongoing stress could amount to mental torture amid Albokhari's attempts to appeal his conviction. The case originated in Barranquilla, Colombia, in September 2023, when authorities found 137 kilograms of cocaine in the vessel’s aft peak tank, packaged with the emblem of Turkish football club Kayserispor. Though crew statements were taken, no arrests occurred at that time. After inspections, the 'Phoenician M' left for Ereğli, where initial searches by Turkish authorities found no drugs. However, during coal discharge operations, 101.5 kilograms of cocaine were later reportedly recovered from areas tied to cargo hold No.2. HRAS points out the significant lack of forensic documentation to verify where these drugs were found and their connection to the vessel. Ultimately, ten out of twenty crew members were arrested. On September 16, 2024, the High Criminal Court of Karadeniz Ereğli sentenced both Albokhari and Bekavac to 30 years in prison along with a fine of TRY200,000 ($4,171), with their sentences later extended to 33 years for non-payment of fines. Notably, Bekavac was unexpectedly returned to Croatia in August 2025 after spending nearly two years behind bars, while concerns lingered about his conviction affecting his future travel and employment. Albokhari remains imprisoned, as his legal team pursues remedies under Türkiye’s Criminal Procedure Code. Although the Court of Cassation upheld his conviction in a close vote, dissenting opinions and a recommendation for reversal from the Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office have been noted. The defense highlights crucial gaps in the investigation, including a failure to obtain Colombian records and insufficient examination of digital evidence. Notably, HRAS underlined the absence of direct forensic evidence linking Albokhari to the cocaine, stating no fingerprints, communications, or witness testimonies prove his participation. Instead, the report indicates responsibility was inferred from his position aboard the ship. In light of these findings, HRAS is calling for the disclosure and independent examination of the missing Colombian and Turkish evidence, continued diplomatic actions from Finland and Croatia, and engagement from Interpol and the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention. Looking ahead, the organization suggests that if domestic remedies are exhausted, recourse to the European Court of Human Rights may be warranted.

The Turkish Supreme Court's recent decision to uphold the 30-year prison sentences of Captain Marko Bekavac and Chief Officer Ali Albokhari has ignited serious concerns within the maritime community and among seafarer welfare groups. The duo was convicted of negligence after illicit substances were found in the cargo holds of the vessel 'Phoenician M', despite the absence of any direct evidence linking the crew to the drugs. In a narrowly divided 3-2 ruling, the court in Ankara confirmed the previous penalties against both officers. While Captain Bekavac was granted release in August 2025, Chief Officer Albokhari remains incarcerated, facing the same allegations without any new findings to justify the charges. Notably, thorough investigations failed to establish any connections between the crew members and the narcotics, leading to the release of all other detained personnel. Court documents have raised additional questions, as they do not specify the exact accusations against Albokhari or clarify how he is deemed responsible for the drugs discovered. Official statements have consistently highlighted the lack of direct evidence against him, prompting calls for a reevaluation of the case and heightened scrutiny regarding the judicial processes affecting maritime professionals.

In a landmark ruling, Captain Marko Bekavac and First Officer Ali Albokhari of the coal transport vessel 'Phoenician M' have each received a 30-year prison sentence in Turkey following their conviction for cocaine smuggling. The duo was apprehended in October 2023, alongside eight other crew members, and had been held in an Ankara prison pending their trial, which commenced in June. Captain Bekavac boasts three decades of uninterrupted maritime experience, with no previous offenses recorded. The charges stemmed from the discovery of 137 kilograms of cocaine concealed within the cargo of the coal-carrying ship, which docked in Eregli after its journey from Colombia. An inspection uncovered the hidden narcotics among the coal, leading to the legal proceedings. While the eight other crew members were acquitted, the court held Captain Bekavac and First Officer Albokhari accountable for the illicit cargo, emphasizing their roles in managing the vessel. Notably, the 'Phoenician M,' previously operating under the name 'Clipper Palma,' was detained by UK authorities for 11 days in May 2023 due to a range of operational deficiencies discovered during an inspection. Upon disembarking in Turkey, Albokhari observed that the security measures in place during the loading process in Colombia were inadequate. He further communicated his concerns about enhancing security to Turkish authorities upon arrival. Likewise, Bekavac had urged the ship's management to bolster measures, recommending the installation of additional cameras for their Colombian stop, though these requests were not acted upon. Prior to their departure, Colombian officials found a small quantity of cocaine in the aft peak tank during inspections of the vessel. At the time of detention, the crew comprised 20 individuals from the Philippines, Finland, Poland, and Russia. Following the arrest of the ten suspects, the ship was ultimately released as the prosecution lacked sufficient evidence linking the acquitted crew members to the drug offenses. However, the State Prosecutor reiterated the responsibility of the captain and first officer in managing the vessel's operations. The Croatian government provided support during the proceedings, with its ambassador present at the court hearings.

A significant drug enforcement operation unfolded at Eregli Port when Customs Enforcement officers discovered 150 kilograms of cocaine aboard the bulk carrier 'Phoenician M'. The vessel, which had arrived on October 5, 2023, from Barranquilla, Colombia, was transporting coal at the time of the inspection. Following the seizure, three individuals were arrested on charges related to cocaine smuggling and undeclared cargo. Police diver teams conducted thorough underwater inspections, leading to the discovery of the impressive drug haul. Investigative efforts are ongoing, with additional searches being carried out on the ship. In response to the situation, the public prosecutor and narcotics departments have initiated legal proceedings, and statements from the crew have been collected for the case. Consequently, the Harbour Master has revoked the vessel's departure permission pending the outcome of the investigation. Despite the legal issues, the routine coal discharge operations have continued, and as of October 7, the 'Phoenician M' remains docked at Erdemir Port in Eregli.

In a significant maritime transaction, a vessel has been sold for around $9.6 million to buyers based in Greece. This deal highlights the ongoing interest and investment from Greek shipping companies in acquiring quality maritime assets.