The Razouk: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

In the early hours of February 15, the 'Razouk' experienced another issue as it began to drag anchor near Kısırkaya amid severe weather conditions and issued a distress signal. The tugboats 'Kurtarma 6' (IMO: 9463176) and 'Nazım Tur' (IMO: 9513086), along with the rescue boat 'Kıyı Emniyeti 9' (MMSI: 271010037), quickly responded to assist in re-anchoring the vessel. However, their efforts were unsuccessful, and the 'Razouk' was subsequently towed to the anchorage area of Büyükdere in Sarıyer, where it was securely moored at approximately 3 a.m. UTC, coordinates 41° 10' N 029° 03' E. This incident follows a troubling series of events for the 'Razouk', which was previously struck by a drone off Cide, Kastamonu, on January 22, and soon thereafter ran aground in Kısırkaya, Sarıyer. The situation was compounded by the captain's hospitalization due to illness. After a subsequent successful operation to free the vessel, the 'Razouk' had been anchored near Kumköy before facing its latest challenge. For more visuals on the situation, check out this video: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUy0tMJjMOA/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==.

On February 8, 2023, the vessel 'Razouk', which had previously grounded off Kısırkaya in Sarıyer, was successfully refloated through the expert coordination of salvage professionals. The operation involved the powerful tugs 'Kurtarma 1' (IMO: 9463176), 'Kurtarma 6' (IMO: 9598581), 'Kurtarma 9', and 'Kurtarma 22' (IMO: 1066958). They were aided by the lifeboats 'Kiyem 3' (MMSI: 271042657) and 'Kiyi Emniety 9' (MMSI: 271010037), along with the pilot boat 'Bayrak 1' (MMSI: 271043763). The salvage endeavor was further supported by a dedicated shore-based rescue team and the General Directorate of Shipyards and Coastal Structures, which provided vital assistance throughout the operation. After being successfully refloated, the 'Razouk' was anchored at coordinates 41° 17' N 028° 60' E, where it remained stationary as of February 10. For a glimpse of the operation, watch the video: https://x.com/i/status/2020431082513207570.

On February 5, two skilled divers from the General Directorate of Coastal Safety undertook critical dives around the cargo vessel 'Razouk' as part of ongoing salvage operations. For four consecutive days, teams from the General Directorate of Coastal Safety, alongside Coast Guard Command units, have been actively engaged in rescue efforts in the vicinity. Significant equipment was deployed, including a dredging vessel and an emergency response excavator, to assist in the operations. Notably, the engine of the 'Razouk' was observed running during these efforts. The operation was supported by tugs 'Kurtarma 6' (IMO: 9463176) and 'Kurtarma 9' (IMO: 9598581), along with the backhoe dredger 'Kazar VII'. While the vessel was able to rotate, it remains lodged amidships, complicating the salvage process. For further details, read our detailed report: https://www.sondakika.com/haber/haber-razouk-kargo-gemisi-kurtarma-calismalari-devam-edi-19541367/

On February 3, a significant medical emergency unfolded aboard the freighter 'Razouk,' which found itself grounded at Türkeli Demir Sahası. The ship's situation prompted an urgent request for the evacuation of its captain. In response, Turkey's Coastal Safety team swiftly deployed a rescue unit to the shore. Employing a traditional rope system, the team successfully conducted the captain's medical evacuation, after which he was transferred to the care of medical professionals on the beach. On the same day, Turkish authorities announced that divers had been dispatched to inspect the vessel for potential damage to its hull and propeller. Just two days later, on February 5, salvage tugs maneuvered the 'Razouk' by turning its bow towards the open sea, marking a critical step in the recovery efforts. For a comprehensive report complete with photos and videos, visit Hurriyet: https://www.hurriyet.de/news/tuerkeitourismus/istanbul/istanbul-100-meter-frachter-laeuft-vor-sariyer-auf-grund-133733478 and check out the footage on X: https://x.com/i/status/2018699011029414364.

On February 1, 2026, the cargo vessel 'Razouk', which was traveling from Constanta to its Bosphorus anchorage, ran aground off the coast of Kısırkaya in Sarıyer, near the coordinates 41° 16' N 029° 01' E. The General Directorate of Coastal Security promptly dispatched response teams following the incident, although no injuries or pollution have been reported as a result of the grounding. Notably, the vessel did not issue a call for rescue assistance, preventing direct intervention by emergency responders who remained in the vicinity as a precaution. This incident follows a harrowing attack on the same ship, which occurred on January 22, 2026, while it was en route to Russian ports, situated off the Cide district of Kastamonu. The vessel was struck by a powerful explosion, believed to be from an unmanned aerial vehicle or missile, although official sources have yet to confirm the origin of the attack. Radar data indicated that the 'Razouk' was navigating northeast before the emergency maneuver caused it to alter its course sharply. The aftermath of the attack revealed severe damage, with the bridge's windows shattered and electronic navigation tools compromised by shrapnel. Eyewitness accounts and images released from aboard the vessel highlight a state of panic among the crew, who pressured the captain to avoid proceeding further on their mission. In response to these safety concerns, the captain adjusted the ship’s trajectory 180 degrees, directing it back towards the Sea of Marmara at a speed of 11 knots. Compounding the vessel's troubles, a recent inspection in December 2025 uncovered 41 deficiencies, resulting in a 14-day detention in Romania. The troubled 'Razouk' now waits along the coast of Istanbul, with various media outlets capturing the unfolding situation through photos and videos. For further details, viewers can access the following reports: 1. [DHA News](https://www.dha.com.tr/gundem/sariyerde-karaya-oturan-gemi-havadan-goruntulendi-video-2810445) 2. [Haber Fokus](https://www.haberfokus.com/kastamonuda-vurulan-razouk-gemisi-sariyer-aciklarinda-karaya-oturdu-galeri-1162250?p=2) 3. [Turkey Today](https://www.turkiyetoday.com/nation/grounded-cargo-ship-waits-off-coast-of-istanbul-with-no-call-for-assistance-3213924?s=1) 4. [Haberler](https://www.haberler.com/3-sayfa/razouk-gemisi-karaya-oturdu-kurtarma-calismalari-suruyor-19526717-haberi/) 5. [CNN Turk](https://www.cnnturk.com/turkiye/istanbulda-yuk-gemisi-karaya-oturdu-2391395) 6. [Haber Deniz](https://www.haberdenizde.com/denizde-gundem/vurulan-gemi-karaya-oturdu/) 7. [NTV](https://www.ntv.com.tr/amp/turkiye/kastamonu-aciklarinda-10-gun-once-vurulan-gemi-sariyerde-karaya-oturdu-1710036) 8. [YouTube](https://m.youtube.com/shorts/Mol5Rtx7CXM) 9. [Twitter](https://x.com/i/status/2018699011029414364) 10. [Meret Marine](https://www.meretmarine.com/fr/marine-marchande/mer-noire-un-cargo-s-echoue-en-turquie-pres-du-bosphore)

The vessel RAZOUK, flying the flag of Comoros and registered under IMO number 9162320, has been reported to the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) for abandonment. Docked in Istanbul, Turkiye, the situation has raised alarms as the crew of 15 seafarers, whose nationalities include Egyptian, Indian, Lebanese, and Syrian nationals, have not received their wages for the past four months. This abandonment case was officially reported to the ITF on January 1, 2026, and remains open as authorities seek to address the plight of the stranded crew. The ITF Seafarers abandonment list continues to monitor such critical incidents affecting maritime workers around the globe.

On the evening of October 7, 2024, at approximately 8 p.m. UTC, the cargo vessel 'Razouk' encountered a significant engine malfunction while navigating the Dardanelles Strait near Karanlik Liman. The ship was traveling from Aliağa to Varna when it unexpectedly lost power. Fortunately, the situation was promptly managed with the assistance of the tugboat 'Kurtarma 3' (IMO: 9335939). Following the incident, the 'Razouk' was securely moored at coordinates 40° 03' N 026° 19' E. The Çanakkale VTS Center, in conjunction with a strait pilot, coordinated the situation, allowing the vessel to remain stationary as of October 9. For more visuals of this unfolding situation, a video can be viewed here: https://x.com/i/status/1843394730836598805.