Working Conditions Aboard the Svetoslava

In a remarkable rescue operation, all 13 crew members of the freighter 'Svetoslava' were saved after the vessel sank in the Black Sea on the morning of August 28, 2023. The incident occurred about 26 nautical miles off the coast of Doğan Yurt, near Kastamonu Province, Turkey. The ship began to take on water in its engine room, prompting a distress call that activated a swift response from the Turkish Coast Guard. Several units, including the patrol vessels 'TCSG 30' and 'TCSG 96', along with the Coast Guard boat 'KB 40', raced to the scene. As the situation escalated, the crew was forced to use a closed lifeboat to abandon the sinking ship. Fortunately, the coast guard teams successfully reached the lifeboat and conducted the rescue of the entire crew, which comprised 11 Azerbaijani nationals, one Turkish national, and one Russian national. They were subsequently transported to Inebolu, where they underwent medical examinations at Inebolu State Hospital and were reported to be in good health. Sadly, the 'Svetoslava' was lost to the depths of the Black Sea.

On January 8, 2026, the maritime community faced a troubling incident at the Özata Denizcilik Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş. (OZATD) shipyard in Altınova, where the vessel 'Svetoslava' sustained damage due to a crane collapse amidst severe weather conditions. The accident occurred around noon when high winds caused the crane to lose balance, sending debris crashing onto the foreship of the vessel. The situation prompted immediate panic among personnel on-site, prompting a quick evacuation to safer areas prior to the calamity. Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were reported as workers responded swiftly to the impending danger. Following the crane's collapse, a temporary halt in operations was observed at the shipyard as security measures were elevated. As storm conditions persisted in the region, efforts commenced to safely remove the fallen crane and evaluate the extent of the damage. Thankfully, the shipyard and all its equipment are secured under comprehensive insurance policies, ensuring coverage during such unforeseen incidents.

On September 3, 2015, the cargo ship 'Svetoslava' encountered a challenging situation in the Azov port basin. While navigating to avoid a potential collision with another vessel traveling ahead in the same direction, the 'Svetoslava' reduced its speed. Unfortunately, this action left the ship vulnerable to powerful currents, which ultimately pushed it aground. The grain-laden vessel was on its way from Rostov-on-Don to the Black Sea at the time of the incident. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the grounding to ensure maritime safety in the area.