The damaged Panama-flagged bulk carrier ARINA A has completed its transit through the Istanbul Strait after being towed from the waters off Trabzon. The badly damaged vessel, whose captain was killed in a Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) attack in the Black Sea, was escorted through the strategic waterway by a fleet of six tugboats.

The vessel, measuring 190 metres in length, 30.5 metres in width and with a draught of 6.2 metres, was being towed by Marinsal III, a tugboat owned by Marinsal Shipping. Five other tugboats from the Directorate General of Coastal Safety also took part in the operation to ensure the damaged carrier’s safe passage through the strait.

The transit of the vessel also resulted in a temporary halt of maritime traffic in the Istanbul Strait, showing the many precautions taken to handle transit of the damaged ship.

Black Sea Attack Kills

The incident goes back to September 2026 when the ARINA A departed Istanbul for Russia. On its next voyage through the Black Sea, the Panama-flagged bulk carrier was hit by a Ukrainian drone which inflicted considerable damage.

The attack left the vessel’s captain, Dmitry Zhitin, seriously wounded and he later succumbed to his injuries. On 7 October 2026, teams from the Trabzon Coast Guard Group Command evacuated the remaining 25 crew members and brought them ashore safely.

Following the incident, preparations were underway to tow the damaged vessel away from the Trabzon coastline and towards Istanbul, with Marinsal III designated to lead the operation.

Six tugs guaranty a controlled passage.

Transit of the Istanbul Strait required a coordinated maritime safety operation. Marinsal III kept the towline attached as five tugboats from the Directorate General of Coastal Safety helped.

The escort fleet consisted of Kurtarma 10, Kurtarma 5, Kurtarma 7, Kurtarma 11 and Kurtarma 12.

The passage was completed, and maritime traffic was suspended to allow the operation. The sight of the nearly 190-metre ship making its way through the strait flanked by six tugboats highlighted the scale of the logistical and navigational arrangements.

Final Destination Yalova Shipyard Kit

Marinsal Shipping said in a statement the tow started off the coast of Trabzon and took place in the Black Sea’s volatile and sometimes violent weather.

During the journey, the company closely monitored wind conditions, wave activity and the route taken. It was stressed that the safety of the vessel and all personnel involved remained the top priority for the operation.

The company also said the passage through Istanbul Strait was coordinated with the relevant authorities and all the participating tugboats.

After the successful passage, ARINA A is expected to be towed by Marinsal III to a designated shipyard in Yalova, where the operation will conclude with the arrival of the damaged bulk carrier at its intended delivery location.