Zeynep’s Last Winter: A Heartbreaking Message
A Cargo Ship Sinks in the Sea of Marmara, Leaving Many Questions Unanswered
A tragic incident took place in the Sea of Marmara on February 15th, when the 69-meter-long, 9-meter-wide cargo ship ‘Batuhan A’ sank, taking the lives of all 6 crew members. After days of searching, Zeynep Kılınç, the only woman on board, was found in the wheelhouse at the helm of the ship. This raised questions about why Zeynep was at the helm and what she was doing at that time.
The captain, İrfan Çiriğ, who considered Zeynep to be like a sister to him, shared details about the incident and the potential causes of the ship’s sinking. One possibility was related to the ship’s ballast tanks, which he mentioned might have had holes and could have caused the ship to take on water, affecting its stability.
Zeynep’s mother, Nilüfer Kılınç, shared heartbreaking details about her daughter’s last messages, expressing her concern for her daughter’s safety on the old and seemingly problematic ship ‘Batuhan A’. Another striking revelation was that Zeynep had expressed her determination to leave her job after three winters working on the ship, citing safety concerns.
The captain also questioned why an emergency signal was not sent from the ship. According to him, the trouble might have started earlier before the ship actually sank, and there was a possibility that Zeynep did not press the distress signal button. It was ultimately a tragic event, leaving many unanswered questions.
The tragic fate of the crew members of ‘Batuhan A’ serves as a reminder of the risks faced by those working in the shipping industry. The incident highlights the importance of safety measures and proper maintenance of ships. It also sheds light on the challenges faced by crew members, particularly those working on older vessels with potential safety issues.
The story of Zeynep Kılınç and the sinking of the cargo ship ‘Batuhan A’ serves as a tragic reminder of the risks and uncertainties that come with a career at sea, in addition to the responsibilities and safety concerns that need to be addressed in the maritime industry.
