Discover the Rapid: Ratings & Maritime News

On October 1, a successful operation to remove 35 cubic meters of fuel from the grounded vessel 'Rapid' was carried out under the auspices of the Minister of Transport and Infrastructure. In a meticulous procedure, the fuel was pumped onto a workboat docked alongside the stranded ship and transferred into smaller tanks. Remarkably, the entire process ensured that there was no leakage into the sea at any point. This effective fuel extraction highlights the commitment to environmental safety and disaster management in maritime operations. For a visual overview of the operation, you can check the video here: https://x.com/i/status/1974120280424673480.

In the early hours of September 18, 2025, the cargo vessel 'Rapid' encountered trouble as it ran aground near Pembe Kayalıkla off the coast of Kefken, Kocaeli. The ship was on a voyage from Bartin to Chornomorsk and had seven crew members aboard, transporting a cargo of plaster. Responding swiftly to the incident, the Turkish Coast Guard deployed the patrol boat 'TCSG-910' alongside the TCSG-504 Coast Guard Helicopter. Additional support came from the Diving Safety Security and Search and Rescue Teams 21 and 04, TCSG-71 Command, and the Kandıra Law Enforcement Support Team. Authorities, including the General Directorate of Coastal Safety, Kocaeli Provincial Disaster and Emergency Directorate, Fire Department, and Gendarmerie, were alerted to the situation. The Coast Guard Marmara and Straits Regional Command expertly coordinated the evacuation of all seven crew members aboard 'Rapid'. Fortunately, the grounding did not result in any environmental pollution. Initial evaluations indicated that the ship struck a reef while navigating close to the shore. The exact reasons behind the grounding are currently under investigation by the relevant authorities, as they work to shed light on what caused this maritime incident. For further details, including photos and videos of the rescue operation, readers can access the following links: [Vira Haber](https://www.virahaber.com/kocaelide-kargo-gemisi-karaya-oturdu-74968h.htm), [Dailymotion](https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x9qrvcw), [Son Dakika](https://www.sondakika.com/politika/haber-kocaeli-de-kuru-yuk-gemisi-karaya-oturdu-19060852/), [Politika](https://www.politikam.com/kocaeli-kandirada-kuru-yuk-gemisi-karaya-oturdu-7-murettebat-kurtarilmayi-bekliyor), [Sabah](https://www.sabah.com.tr/yasam/nefes-kesen-kurtarma-operasyonu-7427324), and [Kocaeli Baris Gazetesi](https://www.kocaelibarisgazetesi.com/gundem/kocaelide-ticari-gemi-karaya-oturdu-h138429).

The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) has confirmed the abandonment of the vessel RAPID, registered under IMO number 8919233. This troubling incident involves the ship, which sails under the Tanzanian flag and is currently docked at Kefken, Turkiye. Details surrounding this case highlight the serious plight faced by the crew members. A total of seven seafarers, hailing from Ukraine and Iran, have reportedly gone unpaid for three months, raising urgent concerns for their welfare. The incident was officially reported to the ITF on September 1, 2025, and is still categorized as 'open,' indicating ongoing efforts to resolve this situation. The ITF Seafarers' abandonment list continues to actively monitor and track such cases globally to advocate for the rights and safety of maritime workers. This incident underscores the critical issues of crew welfare and the responsibilities of shipowners in the maritime industry.

The vessel 'Rapid' has been detained for the fourth time within a year, most recently on August 14, 2023, in Kocaeli, Turkey. This detention was due to a staggering 30 deficiencies, with 13 of them classified as serious violations warranting immediate action. Among the critical issues identified were: Missing SOPEP certificate and documentation, unserviceable rescue boats, improper launching arrangements for life-saving equipment, and missing inventory for emergency gear. Additional deficiencies included expired two-way communication batteries, absence of distress flares, and an inoperative BNWAS (Bridge Navigational Watch Alarm System). Fire safety measures were also found lacking, with malfunctioning detection and alarm systems and non-compliant fixed fire extinguishing installations. Concerns around the integrity of structural divisions like decks and bulkheads, as well as noncompliant ventilators and air pipes, further compounded the ship’s operational challenges. Communication deficiencies were noted in various radio systems, and the ISM certificate also failed to meet requirements. Fortunately, the 'Rapid' was released from detention on August 27, 2023, and departed Kocaeli, setting its course for Reni, where it is expected to arrive by August 31. Previously, the vessel faced detentions on April 11, 2023, in Poti for three days due to nine deficiencies, on February 13 in Karasu while enduring 24 deficiencies also for three days, and on September 18, 2022, in Karadeniz Eregli for a week stemming from 33 deficiencies. The persistent issues raise significant concerns regarding the vessel's operational compliance and safety standards.

The maritime vessel 'Rapid' faced significant challenges on April 11, 2025, when it was detained at the port of Poti due to a staggering nine deficiencies, eight of which were deemed serious enough to warrant the detention. Notable issues included inoperative emergency systems such as emergency lighting, batteries, and switches, as well as the emergency fire pump and its pipes. Additionally, the emergency generator was reported as inoperative, highlighting a grave risk to safety. Other critical deficiencies involved the Ballast Water Record Book not meeting required standards, auxiliary machinery not functioning properly, and engineers' alarms failing to operate as required. There were also concerns regarding the certification documentation and the condition of steam and pressure pipes. After addressing the immediate issues, the 'Rapid' was cleared and set sail for Batumi, reaching its destination later that day. This incident adds to a troubling history of detentions for the vessel, including a previous stop on February 13 in Karasu, where it racked up an alarming 24 deficiencies over three days. Earlier detentions included one on September 18, 2024, in Karadeniz Eregli, which lasted nine days and featured at least 33 deficiencies, and another in Bari on September 12, 2023, for a lengthy 17 days with 22 deficiencies logged. The pattern of these detentions raises serious questions about the vessel's operational safety and regulatory compliance.

On February 13, 2025, the maritime vessel 'Rapid' faced a significant setback when it was detained in the port of Karasu due to a staggering 24 deficiencies, of which 19 were classified as serious enough to warrant such action. The deficiencies ranged from critical safety equipment failures to documentation issues. Key violations included the inoperative emergency generator and a complete lack of emergency fire pump functionality. Moreover, the crew’s training for fire drills was found insufficient, raising alarms regarding preparedness for emergencies. Additional concerning factors included blocked means of escape, outdated nautical publications, and an inoperative magnetic compass, all of which compromise safety at sea. Inspection authorities noted multiple issues related to living and working conditions aboard the vessel, such as inadequate safety measures for access and improper management of ropes and wires. The list of deficiencies also highlighted the absence of necessary legal documentation on work and rest hours, raising concerns about crew welfare and labor practices. Structural conditions of the vessel were also under scrutiny, pointing to corrosion of decks and undisclosed damage to beams and frames, further complicating the vessel's safety profile. Following a thorough examination and prompt corrective action, the 'Rapid' was released from detention on February 15, 2025, and subsequently departed for Constanta Anchorage. Notably, this incident is not the vessel’s first run-in with maritime regulations; it was previously detained on September 18, 2024, in Karadeniz Eregli, with a staggering 33 deficiencies that resulted in a five-day hold. This escalating pattern raises questions about the operational standards and maintenance practices aboard the 'Rapid,' emphasizing the ongoing need for stringent adherence to maritime safety regulations to protect both crew and marine environments.

On January 1, 2020, the vessel 'Hunkar' encountered an engine malfunction while navigating the southern entrance of the Canakkale Strait. The crew was unable to perform the necessary repairs, resulting in the need for assistance. The tug and icebreaker 'Yumurtalik' was subsequently dispatched to tow the disabled ship to Tuzla. After completing the required towage formalities, the tow operation began on the morning of December 3. A Coastal Safety tug provided essential escort services throughout the Canakkale Strait transit. The 'Hunkar' safely moored in position 40° 50.49' N, 029° 14.97' E near Tuzla at 7:10 a.m. on January 5. Repair operations for the vessel commenced on January 6. Following successful repairs, 'Hunkar' departed from the yard on January 26 at 9:20 a.m., setting course for Illichivsk, where she arrived on January 28 at 5:25 a.m.