Stranded Cargo Ship ‘Razouk’ Refloated After Intense Salvage Efforts
After an extensive salvage operation, the cargo ship ‘Razouk’ has been successfully refloated following its grounding at Kısırkaya in Sarıyer on February 8. The operation, which involved multiple tugboats and a coordinated effort by various rescue teams, marked a significant achievement in maritime safety. The ship’s engine was reported to be operational, facilitating the refloating process.
Coordinated Salvage Operation Underway
On February 5, divers from the General Directorate of Coastal Safety conducted crucial inspections around the ‘Razouk’ as salvage work continued. The Coast Guard Command and Coastal Safety teams have been actively engaged in the rescue operations for several days. Utilizing a dredging vessel and an emergency response excavator, the teams worked tirelessly to assess and mitigate the situation. Notably, the vessel’s engine was observed running, which provided an advantage during the operations.
Despite the progress made, the ship remained partially stuck amidships, necessitating the ongoing presence of tugs, including ‘Kurtarma 6’ and ‘Kurtarma 9’, alongside a backhoe dredger, ‘Kazar VII’. The tugs managed to rotate the ship’s bow toward the sea, highlighting the complexities involved in the salvage efforts. The collaboration of the General Directorate of Shipyards and Coastal Structures further emphasized the commitment to resolving the situation efficiently and safely.
Medical Evacuation and Damage Assessment
On February 3, the situation escalated when the captain of the ‘Razouk’ required medical evacuation due to the ship’s prolonged grounding at Türkeli Demir Sahası. A rescue team from Coastal Safety was promptly deployed, successfully evacuating the captain using a traditional rope system. He was subsequently handed over to medical personnel on the beach for further treatment.
In tandem with the evacuation, Turkish authorities reported that divers conducted thorough inspections of the ship to assess potential damage to its hull and propeller. Following these assessments, the salvage teams began turning the ship’s bow towards the open sea on February 5, signaling a positive shift in the recovery efforts. The combination of medical support and technical expertise illustrates the comprehensive approach taken to address the incident and ensure the safety of all involved.
