Ninova Vessel Reviews and Specifications

On May 1, 2026, at 9 a.m., the cargo vessel 'Ninova' ran aground just 85 meters from the shoreline in the Karasu district of Sakarya, Turkey. The incident occurred as the ship struggled to maintain control in severe storm conditions characterized by high waves and strong winds. Initially, the vessel began dragging anchor before ultimately grounding. Emergency responders quickly mobilized, with the Directorate General of Coastal Safety (KEGM) deploying the Coast Guard, AFAD (Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency), local police, and fire personnel to the scene. However, adverse weather, including heavy surf and intermittent rain, made water-based rescue efforts impossible. Attempts to airlift the crew using a helicopter were also thwarted by the strong winds. In a coordinated effort, responders utilized a breeches buoy system to execute the evacuation. A guideline was successfully launched from the shore to the ship, allowing the crew to secure a heavy line. Subsequently, one by one, all eight crew members were safely pulled ashore. The 'Ninova' has a troubled history; since being renamed in 2021, it has faced multiple safety challenges. Records revealed that the ship was sold in 2023, but the current ownership and management are registered as unknown. The Paris MOU authorities imposed a ban on the vessel in 2024 due to recurrent safety violations. It received numerous citations from inspectors, including 18 deficiencies reported by Russian authorities in June 2025, and an alarming 30 deficiencies by Turkish inspectors in August 2025. The ship had departed from Novorossiysk several weeks prior, anchoring north of Turkey before this recent grounding. For additional visual coverage, refer to the following reports with photos and videos: [Haberdenizde](https://www.haberdenizde.com/denizde-gundem/mahsur-denizciler-varageleyle-kurtarildi-video/) | [Maritime Executive](https://maritime-executive.com/article/turks-use-breeches-buoy-to-rescue-crew-from-grounded-cargo-ship) | [YouTube](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ycf1OxYr1ms).