Working Conditions Aboard the Phoenician-m

The Turkish Supreme Court's recent decision to uphold the 30-year prison sentences of Captain Marko Bekavac and Chief Officer Ali Albokhari has ignited serious concerns within the maritime community and among seafarer welfare groups. The duo was convicted of negligence after illicit substances were found in the cargo holds of the vessel 'Phoenician M', despite the absence of any direct evidence linking the crew to the drugs. In a narrowly divided 3-2 ruling, the court in Ankara confirmed the previous penalties against both officers. While Captain Bekavac was granted release in August 2025, Chief Officer Albokhari remains incarcerated, facing the same allegations without any new findings to justify the charges. Notably, thorough investigations failed to establish any connections between the crew members and the narcotics, leading to the release of all other detained personnel. Court documents have raised additional questions, as they do not specify the exact accusations against Albokhari or clarify how he is deemed responsible for the drugs discovered. Official statements have consistently highlighted the lack of direct evidence against him, prompting calls for a reevaluation of the case and heightened scrutiny regarding the judicial processes affecting maritime professionals.

In a landmark ruling, Captain Marko Bekavac and First Officer Ali Albokhari of the coal transport vessel 'Phoenician M' have each received a 30-year prison sentence in Turkey following their conviction for cocaine smuggling. The duo was apprehended in October 2023, alongside eight other crew members, and had been held in an Ankara prison pending their trial, which commenced in June. Captain Bekavac boasts three decades of uninterrupted maritime experience, with no previous offenses recorded. The charges stemmed from the discovery of 137 kilograms of cocaine concealed within the cargo of the coal-carrying ship, which docked in Eregli after its journey from Colombia. An inspection uncovered the hidden narcotics among the coal, leading to the legal proceedings. While the eight other crew members were acquitted, the court held Captain Bekavac and First Officer Albokhari accountable for the illicit cargo, emphasizing their roles in managing the vessel. Notably, the 'Phoenician M,' previously operating under the name 'Clipper Palma,' was detained by UK authorities for 11 days in May 2023 due to a range of operational deficiencies discovered during an inspection. Upon disembarking in Turkey, Albokhari observed that the security measures in place during the loading process in Colombia were inadequate. He further communicated his concerns about enhancing security to Turkish authorities upon arrival. Likewise, Bekavac had urged the ship's management to bolster measures, recommending the installation of additional cameras for their Colombian stop, though these requests were not acted upon. Prior to their departure, Colombian officials found a small quantity of cocaine in the aft peak tank during inspections of the vessel. At the time of detention, the crew comprised 20 individuals from the Philippines, Finland, Poland, and Russia. Following the arrest of the ten suspects, the ship was ultimately released as the prosecution lacked sufficient evidence linking the acquitted crew members to the drug offenses. However, the State Prosecutor reiterated the responsibility of the captain and first officer in managing the vessel's operations. The Croatian government provided support during the proceedings, with its ambassador present at the court hearings.

A significant drug enforcement operation unfolded at Eregli Port when Customs Enforcement officers discovered 150 kilograms of cocaine aboard the bulk carrier 'Phoenician M'. The vessel, which had arrived on October 5, 2023, from Barranquilla, Colombia, was transporting coal at the time of the inspection. Following the seizure, three individuals were arrested on charges related to cocaine smuggling and undeclared cargo. Police diver teams conducted thorough underwater inspections, leading to the discovery of the impressive drug haul. Investigative efforts are ongoing, with additional searches being carried out on the ship. In response to the situation, the public prosecutor and narcotics departments have initiated legal proceedings, and statements from the crew have been collected for the case. Consequently, the Harbour Master has revoked the vessel's departure permission pending the outcome of the investigation. Despite the legal issues, the routine coal discharge operations have continued, and as of October 7, the 'Phoenician M' remains docked at Erdemir Port in Eregli.

In a significant maritime transaction, a vessel has been sold for around $9.6 million to buyers based in Greece. This deal highlights the ongoing interest and investment from Greek shipping companies in acquiring quality maritime assets.