Discover the Galata-Seaways: Ratings & Maritime News

In a surprising turn of events, an investigation following the detention of 15 migrants by Italian special forces aboard the cargo vessel 'Galata Seaways' has contradicted earlier allegations made by authorities. Initially, officials claimed that the migrants attempted to coerce the crew into altering the ship's course. The group, consisting of exiles from Iran, Iraq, and Syria, had clandestinely boarded the vessel, which was transporting vehicles from Topçular near Istanbul to Sète. On the morning of June 9, the crew spotted two individuals armed with knives, leading to the discovery of the remaining 13 migrants concealed within a truck on the ship. The captain promptly notified Turkish authorities, who then coordinated with their Italian counterparts. Following this, Italian special forces intervened and apprehended the migrants, redirecting the vessel to Naples. Among those onboard were 13 men, including two minors, and two pregnant women. After disembarking in Naples, they were treated for various medical issues, including a man with hypothermia and another suffering from a broken ankle. Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, co-founder of the far-right Fratelli d'Italia party, praised the operation, referring to the detained individuals as 'pirates' in a public address, thereby applauding the successful mission of the special forces to reclaim control of the Turkish-flagged vessel. However, testimonies from both the migrants and crew members have since negated the official narrative. It was revealed that the migrants were hidden inside a truck and had used sharp implements to puncture the tarpaulin for ventilation, as confirmed by surveillance footage from the vessel. As the investigation unfolded, prosecutors dismissed the idea of a hijacking attempt. Subsequent investigations on June 12 identified three of the detained individuals for possessing weapons, following the seizure of two knives and a box cutter. The Naples public prosecutor's office has launched an inquiry into criminal associations related to irregular immigration to determine how those migrants gained unauthorized access to the ship while it was in Turkey. Further details and an array of photos can be found in the comprehensive report on InfoMigrants.

In a dramatic turn of events, 15 migrants aboard the cargo vessel 'Galata Seaways' attempted a hijacking after being spotted in Italian waters. This incident unfolded on June 9, approximately 90 miles southwest of Naples when the ship’s captain noticed two men armed with knives near the engine room. The group, comprising 13 men and two women—one of whom is pregnant—hails from Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan, and had clandestinely boarded the ship while it was docked in Turkey. Upon recognizing the potential threat, the captain promptly alerted authorities, prompting a swift response from the Marine-Brigade San Marco of the Italian Navy. As the 'Galata Seaways' was diverted towards the Italian coast, the ship’s 16 crew members and three passengers took refuge in cabins and on the bridge, fearing for their safety. The migrants were equipped with two knives and a box cutter, but their intentions remained uncertain. A distress signal was sent to Ankara, which quickly relayed the information to Italian maritime authorities, leading to a coordinated seven-hour anti-terrorist rescue mission. Italian Coast Guard and Financial Guard vessels were dispatched to the scene, accompanied by two helicopters carrying elite Navy Seals from the San Marco brigade. Their deployment on board the 'Galata Seaways' successfully neutralized the threat, with all individuals involved in the hijacking secured without further incident. The operation not only safeguarded those onboard but also showcased the effectiveness of international maritime cooperation in crisis situations.

On June 9, 2023, the cargo vessel 'Galata Seaways' sent out an urgent distress call while navigating the Tyrrhenian Sea, off the coast of Italy. The ship was on its way from Istanbul to Sète when it encountered a serious security threat from a group of 10 to 15 armed assailants. Crew members, alerted by the security cameras, promptly took refuge in the citadel, while some remained on the bridge to monitor the situation. The armed intruders attempted to breach the bridge control but were swiftly intercepted by the Italian Navy. Responding to the emergency, a specialized team of mariners boarded the vessel and successfully contained the threat. Following the incident, 'Galata Seaways' altered its course to Naples, where it safely docked on June 10. Authorities have since initiated a search for any additional perpetrators who may have escaped. For further details and additional visuals of the incident, visit: https://www.ad.nl/buitenland/italiaanse-mariniers-maken-einde-aan-kaping-vrachtschip~a83b2412/