Working Conditions Aboard the Ince-Ege

In a heartbreaking incident that marks the second tragedy in just a week, Turkish seafarer Yucel Ulaskin, 36, lost his life in a fall while attempting to assess his vessel's draft during challenging weather conditions. The second mate was working alongside a fellow sailor to read the draft markings at port when the unfortunate accident occurred. On the early morning of [insert date], around 2:30 a.m. local time, Ulaskin descended a pilot's ladder amidst a storm. As he attempted to gauge the vessel's draft, he lost his footing and fell into the turbulent waters below. His companion immediately raised the alarm and cast a life ring into the water in a desperate attempt to rescue him. Faced with waves exceeding six feet and wind gusts between 17 and 20 knots, another sailor bravely donned a life jacket and ventured down the ladder to search for Ulaskin. However, conditions were far too perilous to deploy a rescue boat. The crew quickly communicated with the search and rescue coordination centers AAKKA and MRCC Novorossiysk, which dispatched a tugboat to aid in the search. Tragically, after approximately 45 minutes of searching, the body of Yucel Ulaskin was recovered and brought aboard the tugboat. Despite urgent medical efforts, resuscitation attempts were sadly unsuccessful. The vessel is managed by Ince Denizcilik, a Turkish company that has publicly expressed deep condolences to Ulaskin's family during this difficult time. The incident raises critical questions regarding safety protocols at sea, especially when compared to the recent unfortunate demise of another Turkish sailor in China, where COVID restrictions prevented safe docking for the 'Mathilde Oldendorff' and its crew. As the maritime community mourns its loss, further investigations will aim to clarify the circumstances surrounding this tragic accident.

In a heartbreaking accident on February 4, 2022, the chief officer of the cargo vessel 'Ince Ege' tragically fell into the water while attempting to read draft marks from a pilot ladder at Taman Port. The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning, sending shockwaves through the maritime community. Despite being rescued 45 minutes later, both the vessel's crew members and a port paramedic—who was quickly transported to the scene by a nearby tug—were unable to revive him. Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead due to hypothermia, highlighting the risks involved in maritime operations and the importance of safety measures on board.