Syria calls for independent probe into sinking of ship in Black Sea | Russia-Ukraine war News
Syria Demands Investigation into Cargo Ship Sinking in Black Sea
Syria has requested an independent and transparent investigation following the sinking of a cargo ship in the Black Sea, raising concerns over the fate of its ten-member crew, including nine Syrians and one Egyptian, who remain missing.
The Togolese-flagged Alfa Watan sank in Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone early Tuesday, coinciding with an increase in drone strikes targeting shipping in the region amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Mazen Aloush, representing Syria’s port authority, called on the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and Bulgarian authorities to determine why a search and rescue operation was aborted before the crew members were located. “Their fate is still unknown,” Aloush stated, emphasizing the need to clarify “the reasons that led to the suspension of search and rescue operations.”
The attack also involved the Palau-flagged Able, which caught fire as it was struck. Eighteen crew members, consisting of Turkish and Indian nationals, were rescued from the burning vessel, while the Alfa Watan sank.
Both ships were managed by companies based in Turkey, according to the Equasis merchant shipping database. The Syrian sailors’ union reported that contact with the Alfa Watan’s crew had been lost, and no survivors have been found since search efforts were halted.
Aloush condemned the attack on the civilian cargo ship, calling it a significant breach of maritime security and a danger to sailors. He indicated that the Syrian General Authority for Ports and Customs is closely monitoring the situation and urged authorities to utilize all available technical resources to locate and inspect the wreckage in order to clarify the circumstances surrounding the sinking. He also called for international maritime organizations to enhance protective measures to ensure the safety of commercial shipping in light of the rising attacks in the Black Sea.
