200-ton living space of ‘Kafkametler’ ship removed: Heartbreaking call for help on radio

Kafkametler Ship Accident

In the tragic incident that took place off the coast of Ereğli district on November 19, 2023, the dry cargo ship named ‘Kafkametler’, which was carrying cargo from Temryuk Port of Russia, was caught after hitting a military breakwater under the influence of the storm . Communication with the ship carrying 12 crew members was cut off and rescue efforts were initiated immediately.

Following the incident, Naval Forces Command, AFAD, Coast Guard Command, Coast Guard and SAS commandos from the Turkish Armed Forces’ special forces joined intensive search and rescue efforts to find the missing sailors. While the bodies of 5 people from the ship’s crew have been found so far, Captain Cemal Turan, 3rd Captain Berke Çamurtaş, Chief Engineer Veli Özel, 2nd Machinist Göksel Özel, Master Seaman Satılmış Uslu, Seaman Mustafa Nacar and Yağcı Ömer Hebip are still missing .

Last Call and Rescue Efforts

In his last radio call, Kafkametler was recorded telling the Ereğli pilot, “My job is done. I am leaning against the breakwater, I am requesting rescue.” However, radio contact was cut off shortly afterwards. In the ongoing efforts for 235 days, the missing crew members have not yet been reached.

The ship parts that were removed are being examined in detail and efforts are underway to shed light on the incident. In the examinations carried out on the ship, detailed information was shared about the wheelhouse and other parts being brought to the surface.