Russian freight ship sinks off Turkey's Black Sea coast

 A Russian-flagged cargo ship sank off Turkey's Black Sea coast on Jan. 17 and emergency workers were out rescuing the crew, an official said.

The ship, named Arvin, sunk off the Inkumu Coast of the northern province Bartin, said Gov. Sinan Güner.

Güner added that rescue efforts are underway for an estimated 15 crew members stranded in three lifeboats.

Stating that rescue teams had difficulty deploying to the area due to bad weather conditions, he added: "But, we will get them deployed. Even if it's a large ship, even if it's a private ship, we'll get them [rescue teams] there."

He added civilian ships had also been asked to help with rescue operations. Güner said that so far six people have been rescued and the lifeless bodies of four people were found.

He said lifeboats carrying the crew members could be seen 600-700 meters from the shore and that a Navy vessel had been deployed to reach them. "In case there is an opportunity to fly, we requested a helicopter," he said.

​​​​​​​Güner added all crew members of Arvin are Russian citizens.​​​​​​​

Turkish Navy also deployed a frigate to support rescue efforts for the crew of Arvin, the Defense Ministry said.