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A Turkish-owned general cargo vessel has run aground in the Black Sea near Novorossiysk, after experiencing difficulties while approaching the area, Turkish maritime authorities confirmed.
Turkey’s Directorate of Maritime Affairs said the freighter Happy Aras went aground early Tuesday after drifting south of the Kerch Strait. The vessel was reported to be taking on water, prompting an emergency response coordinated by Turkey’s Maritime Rescue Center.
All 14 crew members onboard were safely evacuated, including three Turkish nationals. Authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported, and the situation remains under close observation as officials monitor the vessel’s condition.
The Happy Aras is a Vanuatu-flagged coastal freighter built in 1990. According to inspection records, the vessel has a long history of port state control deficiencies, with problems identified during every inspection since 2018, and multiple detentions recorded over that period.
According to AIS data from ShipAtlas, the vessel have been irregular since its departure from Varna on 30 December, when it began a voyage toward Novorossiysk. The most recent signal, received several days ago, showed the vessel moving slowly at around three knots and broadcasting a status of “not under command.”
Turkish authorities released coordinates placing the grounding site just off a headland close to the Taman oil export terminal, an area of heightened sensitivity following Ukrainian strikes in December. No connection between the strikes and the grounding has been suggested.
Officials have not yet commented on salvage plans or whether pollution containment measures may be required. Further updates are expected as assessments continue.
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