What Crew Members Say About Barbaros

On July 18, 2017, the Turkish Coast Guard made a significant drug bust near Tasucu, in the Silifke district of Mersin, when they observed suspicious barrels being discarded overboard from the vessel known as the 'Med Star.' Upon investigation, authorities recovered approximately 100 kilograms of cannabis and various illegal substances from the floating barrels, which were later retrieved by a helicopter. The Med Star, which was making its way from Tripoli to Tasucu, had its entire crew of 10 members arrested on charges related to drug trafficking. This incident underscores the ongoing challenges posed by maritime drug smuggling in the region.

On January 18, 2017, the cargo vessel 'Aydemir' docked in Zonguldak after its voyage from Illichivsk, but it arrived in a troubling condition. The ship has exhausted its fuel supply and essential provisions, leaving the crew of 24 in a precarious situation. These sailors have not received their wages for the last three months, prompting them to remain aboard despite the increasingly hostile living conditions. With no access to food, water, or heating fuel, the crew members are determined to stay until they receive their overdue payments.