Complete Maritime Profile & Reviews of Alfa-1

Recent disclosures from the Ukrainian Foreign Intelligence Service have spotlighted several vessels involved in Russia's controversial coal exports from temporarily occupied areas in Ukraine, particularly utilizing the Mariupol port. Key among the identified vessels is the 'Alfa 1', which, along with others, is part of a concerted effort to exploit these territories in violation of international law and warfare norms. Notable figures include the 'Alfa M' which exported approximately 40,000 tons of coking coal, 'Alfa 1' exporting over 20,000 tons, 'Alpha Hermes' with more than 5,000 tons, 'Victoria K' exporting above 20,000 tons, and 'Victoria V' which shipped over 35,000 tons. In total, these vessels have transported around 120,000 tons of coal, a resource significant enough to contribute to the production of thousands of tons of steel. The use of these occupied regions as a raw materials source not only underpins Russia's economic strategies but also infringes upon international humanitarian law, including provisions of the 1907 Hague Convention that prohibits the extraction of resources by an occupying force without the consent of legitimate authorities.

The freighter 'Mehmet Bay,' carrying a crew of 17, found itself aground once more on August 7, 2023, in the Fethiye district of Muğla, Turkey. This incident follows a previous grounding that occurred on August 2 near Samos, where the vessel had to address mechanical issues. During the repair process, 'Mehmet Bay' was unable to avoid the latest mishap. As the ship attempted to anchor and replenish supplies in Fethiye Bay, it ran aground just five meters from the shoreline. The vessel faced this challenge while navigating close to a fishing boat, which prompted precautionary measures from the local Coast Guard and teams from the Coast Guard General Directorate. Fortunately, the ship's master opted not to request external assistance, demonstrating confidence in managing the situation without additional support. The 'Mehmet Bay' successfully berthed in Iskenderun on August 19 at 7:30 PM and departed again on August 23 at 6:00 AM, setting a course for Sulina, with an estimated arrival date of August 29. For more in-depth coverage, including photos and videos, you can explore the following Turkish news sources: [Deniz Haber](https://www.denizhaber.com/kazalar/malta-bayrakli-mehmet-bey-adli-gemi-fethiyede-karaya-h79690.html), [Yeni Çağ](https://www.yenicaggazetesi.com.tr/muglada-kuru-yuk-gemisi-karaya-oturdu-244825h.htm), [Yeni Şafak](https://www.yenisafak.com/en/video-gallery/news/cargo-ship-runs-aground-off-western-turkey-2202079), and [Ogun Haber](https://www.ogunhaber.com/asayis/bugday-yuklu-gemi-fethiyede-karaya-oturdu-1166554h.html).

On August 2, 2019, the cargo vessel 'Mehmet Bay' encountered mechanical difficulties and found itself anchored off the southern coast of Samos. Following this incident, the ship resumed its journey on the morning of August 3, albeit under restricted maneuverability, while positioned at coordinates 37° 41.66' N and 026° 39.65' E. The 'Mehmet Bay' was making its way from Amaliapolis to Iskenderun. On August 4, at 5:20 p.m., the vessel successfully moored near Psili Ammos at coordinates 37° 41.50' N and 026° 39.54' E, assisted by the offshore tug 'Pantokrator' (IMO: 9376880), which had departed from Piraeus the day prior at 5:20 p.m. and was on standby for support.