Cambodian-flagged cargo vessel sinks off Turkish coast

PHNOM PENH - A Cambodian-flagged cargo vessel carrying scrap metal has sunk in stormy waters off the Turkish Black Sea port of Zonguldak, according to a report by International Business Times.

The report late Wednesday said the ship was sailing from Russia to the Turkish Aegean port of Aliaga.

Turkish coast guard vessels were searching for eight crew members who were still missing after the ship sank, the report said. Three people, the ship's second and third in command and a female cook, were rescued and taken to hospital.

The Turkish Maritime Affairs Directorate said the crew comprised ten Ukrainians and a Georgian.  "There is hope that the eight will be rescued," regional Governor Erol Ayyildiz was quoted as saying. "They are used to the sea, they are experienced. Therefore, until we reach them, we are assuming that they are alive."

The report said the cargo vessel, Vera, tilted to the side during a heavy storm Tuesday.

"By the time the Coast Guard arrived in response to the distress call, the ship had already sunk," Irfan Erdem, head of the Chamber of Commerce for the region, told Turkey's NTV television. source

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