Discover the Sea-Pearl: Ratings & Maritime News

In a shocking revelation, four decomposed bodies were discovered aboard the 'Idc Pearl', which was docked in Iskenderun, Turkey. The deceased were found in a secluded section of the engine room, raising serious questions about the ship's past. The supramax vessel had arrived in Taiwan in late October 2015 for repairs following a technical malfunction, and it is believed the bodies might have been onboard for as long as five years. Despite undergoing a five-year special survey in September, those inspecting the vessel overlooked the hidden compartment where the grim find was made. Authorities suspect that the individuals are unlikely to be crew members or shipyard workers, as there have been no missing person reports linked to the ship in the last five years. Disturbingly, nail marks were found on the door of the compartment, suggesting desperate attempts to escape. Taiwanese officials declined to take custody of the bodies, forcing the Idc Pearl to return to Turkey, where it anchored at İskenderun’s port on December 9, 2015. In light of the discoveries, the İskenderun Public Prosecutor's Office has initiated an investigation. Turkish authorities suspect that the individuals may have been stowaways who managed to board the vessel during maintenance work when the ship was in China. The Idc Pearl set sail from İskenderun to Ravenna on the morning of December 11, while the investigation progressed following alerts from Chinese officials to the Turkish government. After autopsies and identification procedures conducted by the Council of Forensic Medicine (ATK), the remains will be repatriated to their respective countries. For further updates and a video report, visit: http://en.cihan.com.tr/en/ship-on-which-dead-bodies-found-leaves-southern-turkey-vCHMTk2NTIzMg==.htm