Four Indian sailors have finally been rescued after being trapped for ten months on the container ship AZRA C off Turkey’s coast. The Mongolia-flagged vessel had been left near Istanbul in the Sea of Marmara since August 2025. Their release came after the ship’s alleged owners were arrested in January 2026 during an international investigation.
Selahattin Polat, Turkey representative for the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), confirmed the crew’s ordeal had come to an end. During this prolonged period, the ITF and the Marine Employees’ Solidarity Association (DAD-DER) ensured the crew had sufficient food and water, providing critical support until authorities intervened.
Maritime Abandonment: A Growing Concern
The AZRA C case underscores the persistent problem of vessel abandonment worldwide. In 2025 alone, over 6,200 seafarers across 410 ships faced abandonment, with Indian nationals being the most affected. Turkey reported the highest number of abandoned ships last year, totaling 61 cases.
International maritime law mandates that ships maintain enough crew to handle emergencies, but AZRA C was left unmanned for months. Currently, 15 foreign-flagged vessels remain abandoned in the Sea of Marmara, a strategic waterway connecting the Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits.
Coordinated Rescue and Support Efforts
The trapped sailors reached out through intermediaries, prompting swift action. ITF and DAD-DER coordinated the delivery of essential supplies while Turkish authorities prepared for their extraction. Polat emphasized that the crew’s hardships had concluded, and enhanced security protocols are being planned as legal action continues against the owners.
Lessons for Maritime Safety
The AZRA C rescue highlights the critical need for timely intervention in maritime emergencies. Authorities are reviewing safety policies to prevent similar situations, and international shipping organizations are calling for stricter enforcement of labor regulations.
The ordeal also emphasizes the vulnerability of seafarers and the importance of proactive measures to protect crews on abandoned vessels worldwide.
