In a dramatic maritime rescue operation, the Cameroon-flagged cargo vessel Eileen sank in the Black Sea on October 12, 2025, approximately 140 nautical miles east of Varna, Bulgaria. All 10 crew members, identified as Ukrainian nationals, were successfully rescued by the Turkish offshore support vessel Murat Ilhan following a coordinated international response.
📍 Incident Overview
The Eileen, a 1993-built mini bulker with a deadweight of 3,092 tons, was en route from Bartin, Turkey to Chornomorsk, Ukraine, carrying a cargo of bagged gypsum. Around 13:00 local time, the vessel reported severe flooding and a heavy list, prompting the crew to issue a distress signal and abandon ship into two life rafts. [en.portnews.ru]
🛟 International Rescue Effort
The Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) Varna initiated a joint rescue operation involving:
- Bulgarian Navy (helicopter and corvette Bodri)
- Romanian maritime units
- Turkish MRCC and support vessel Murat Ilhan
The Murat Ilhan, operating near the Sakarya gas field, was the first to locate the life rafts and safely transfer all crew members aboard. Medical checks confirmed the sailors were in good condition, and no air evacuation was required. The crew was later transported to Filyos Port in Zonguldak, Turkey. [unn.ua]
⚠️ Vessel History and Compliance Issues
The Eileen has a checkered compliance history:
- Previously listed as Haksa, the vessel faced a refusal-of-access order under the Paris MoU, lifted in April 2025.
- Detentions occurred in Astakos (Greece), Tuzla (Turkey), and Poti (Georgia) due to technical deficiencies, including:
- Fire pump and piping issues
- Emergency lighting failures
- Crew training gaps
- Structural corrosion and deck damage [ukrinform.net]
Bulgarian authorities confirmed the sinking was not caused by an external source, such as a mine, but likely due to structural weakness.
🌍 Maritime Safety and Regulatory Implications
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about:
- Flag-of-convenience vessels operating with poor maintenance
- Port State Control (PSC) enforcement gaps
- The need for international cooperation in maritime emergencies
The successful rescue underscores the importance of regional coordination and rapid response capabilities in the Black Sea region.
The Maritime-Hub Editorial Team
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Maritime-Hub. Readers are advised to research this information before making decisions based on it.
