On January 7, the 113 meter long cargo vessel Volgo-Balt 214 broke-in-two and sank in the Black Sea off Samsun, Turkey.  The Volgo-Balt 214 was loaded with 3300 tons of coal from Azov bound for Samsun in heavy seas when a large wave smashed against the vessel causing a hull fracture.  The bow of the Volgo-Balt 214 broke away and both sections of the cargo vessel flooding.  Seven of the 13 crew were able to escape into the life rafts.

The Turkish Coast Guard dispatched four helicopters and several vessels to conduct a search and rescue operation.  Authorities rescued the 7 crew from the life rafts and continued search the remaining crew.  The following day authorities were able to recover the bodies of the missing crewmen.  Reports state the Volgo-Balt 214 had several reported deficiencies during an inspection in 2017 including hull corrosion and cracking.  Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.