Cameroonian-Flagged Cargo Ship Ninova Driven Ashore in Black Sea Storm, Eight Crew Rescued by Breeches Buoy

The Cameroonian-flagged cargo ship Ninova (2,500 DWT) ran aground on the northern coast of Turkey near Sakarya on May 1 after dragging anchor in a heavy Black Sea storm. All eight crew members were brought ashore safely using a breeches buoy line system.

Turkish authorities were alerted at approximately 0900 local time. The Directorate General of Coastal Safety (KEGM), Coast Guard, local police, and fire departments all responded. Heavy surf, strong winds, and intermittent rain made a seaborne approach impossible, and conditions also precluded helicopter evacuation. Shore teams fired a guideline onto the vessel; crew secured the line and were winched to shore one by one. All eight received medical checks following the rescue.

Ninova is currently listed on the Cameroonian registry, measuring 83 metres LOA and built in 1989. The vessel's ownership and management are listed as unknown in maritime databases following a reported sale in 2023. It had departed Novorossiysk, Russia, several weeks prior and was at anchor north of Turkey when the storm intensified and the vessel lost control.

The ship carries a significant enforcement history. Italy imposed a ban under Paris MOU authority in 2024 citing repeated safety deficiencies. Russian inspectors recorded 18 deficiencies in June 2025 and 17 in October 2025. Turkish inspectors cited 30 deficiencies in August 2025. The vessel is now ashore with a list and is reported to have taken on water.

Salvage prospects and environmental risk assessment are under evaluation. Investigation is ongoing.