Working Conditions Aboard the Corsage-C

On May 7, a team of divers is set to conduct an inspection of the 'Corsage C' wreckage near Andros as part of a critical investigation into potential environmental hazards. The incident has drawn attention from Greek authorities, including the National Intelligence Service, due to the freighter being listed on an international shipping blacklist. Notably, the 'Corsage C' was registered to carry 3,000 metric tons of soda, but concerns are rising about the possibility of additional undeclared cargo aboard. Both the 52-year-old captain and a 32-year-old watch officer have been apprehended and are facing charges related to negligence that potentially contributed to the vessel's sinking. While the investigation into the precise circumstances surrounding the freighter's demise continues, it has been noted that weather conditions were fair at the time of the incident. In response to this maritime crisis, authorities are executing a comprehensive operation aimed at mitigating any environmental risks posed by the wreck. Notably, the 'Corsage C' contained an unspecified quantity of fuel in its tanks, which raises further alarms about potential spills and ecological impacts. The developments surrounding this case will be closely monitored as divers take to the waters to assess the situation firsthand.

On May 6, 2026, the freighter 'Corsage C' tragically sank in northern waters off Andros, Greece, after colliding with a rock that inflicted substantial damage to its hull, leading to significant water ingress. The vessel, which was transporting 3,000 tons of soda from Ploce to Sulina, was manned by a crew of nine, including eight Turkish nationals and one Azerbaijani. Fortunately, the Greek Coast Guard quickly intervened and successfully rescued all crew members. At around 04:00 a.m., the Unified Search & Rescue Coordination Center (EKSED) received a distress call through Olympia Radio, prompting an immediate response that involved mobilizing the Andros, Karystos, and Piraeus Port Authorities. Under EKSED's supervision, four Coast Guard patrol boats were dispatched, supported by three nearby merchant vessels and a fishing boat. Among those assisting was the ferry 'Nissos Samos,' which played a crucial role in identifying the sinking location. Additionally, an Air Force helicopter was deployed for aerial surveillance of the situation. The heroic efforts of the Andros patrol boat resulted in the retrieval of two crew members from the water and an additional seven from a rocky coastline. After the successful rescue operation, all nine individuals were transported to the port of Gavrio and subsequently taken by ambulance to the Andros Health Center for precautionary medical checks, where they were reported to be in good health. Authorities reported no immediate signs of pollution from the sunken vessel. In response to potential environmental concerns, two specialized anti-pollution vessels from the Coast Guard stationed in Syros and Lavrio, along with two patrol boats equipped for pollution response, were deployed from Rafina. In the coming hours, the plan included setting up floating containment booms and absorbent materials to mitigate any environmental impact resulting from the sinking. An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the grounding is currently underway. Preliminary reports indicate that human error was a contributing factor, as the ship's Captain admitted to falling asleep at the helm. The Andros Port Authority has since detained both the 52-year-old Captain and a 32-year-old Bridge Officer, both Turkish nationals, citing violations of various articles in the Criminal Code pertaining to maritime safety and negligence. Notably, deck cracks were flagged as a concern during the vessel's last inspection in Turkey in January 2024, and 'Corsage C' has faced a total of 26 inspections across Ukraine, Bulgaria, Turkey, Romania, and Russia over the past six years, with three of those resulting in detentions. For further insights and visuals surrounding this incident, reports are available at the following links: [Turkey Today](https://www.turkiyetoday.com/region/cargo-ship-sinks-off-greece-all-crew-rescued-including-8-turkish-nationals-3219454?s=1) and [NewsBeast](https://www.newsbeast.gr/greece/arthro/13077602/eikones-apo-to-simeio-opou-vythistike-to-ploio-corsage-c-voreia-tis-androu-metefere-8-000-tonous-sodas).

On August 28, 2010, the cargo ship CORSAGE C, identified by IMO number 8203684, departed from Novorossisk, Russia, carrying a significant load of 2,500 metric tons of carbamide destined for Tartus, Syria. This journey marks an important logistical operation in the region's supply chain.