Two Russian seafarers lost their lives due to a gas poisoning incident on the general cargo ship Navis-2 in Turkey. The incident occurred on Friday while the 6,300-dwt vessel, built in 2019, was anchored in Bandirma Bay, Balikesir, awaiting entry to the port.
The victims, identified as Konstantine Martynov, 46, and Dmitrii Mochalov, 52, were found deceased in a cargo hold. Mochalov reportedly fell into the confined space after being exposed to poisonous gas when the hatch cover was opened. It remains unclear how Martynov entered the hold.
The Navis-2 had departed from Yeysk, Russia, carrying 5,000 tonnes of animal feed. Turkish authorities, including the Bandirma Coast Guard and emergency response teams equipped with hazmat gear, responded to the scene. The bodies were transported to the Bursa Forensic Medicine Institute for autopsy.
The vessel is owned by United Shipping Co of Moscow, which operates eight cargo ships, mainly in Russian waters. The company has a clean port state control record, and its fleet is insured by Russian insurer Ingosstrakh. An investigation into the incident has been launched by the Bandirma Public Prosecutor's Office.