On September 18, 2025, the Tanzanian-flagged cargo ship Rapid ran aground near the Pink Rocks off Kefken (Turkey). The vessel was carrying a cargo of gypsum and was en route from Turkey to the port of Chornomorsk (Ukraine). There were seven crew members on board.
Rescue operation
The incident was reported at 05:54 local time to Turkey’s Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure. The General Directorate of Coastal Safety (KEGM) immediately launched a rescue operation, deploying the fast rescue vessel KEGM-10, a land-based response team, and a helicopter.
All crew members were successfully evacuated by helicopter to safety. No injuries were reported.
Cause of the incident
Preliminary information suggests that the vessel struck a reef while navigating close to shore. The exact cause of the grounding is under investigation by Turkish authorities.
About the vessel
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📌 Name: Rapid
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🚩 Flag: Tanzania
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⚓ Type: Cargo ship
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🛠 Year built: 1991
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📦 Deadweight capacity: 2,620 tons
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📏 Length: 81.2 m, beam: 11.33 m