Russia Navy intercepts Turkish civilian cargo ship Sukru Okan en route to Ukraine.

According to information published by Tass on August 13, 2023, the Russian naval vessel Vasily Bykov halted the Palau-registered cargo ship Sukru Okan, which was en route to the Ukrainian port of Izmail.
Follow Navy Recognition on Google News at this link

Civilian cargo ship Sukru Orkan and her crew during the inspection and the Russian Navy's Ka-29 helicopter in the Black Sea. (Picture source: news-odessa)

According to Russian sources, the Sukru Okan's captain did not heed initial orders for an inspection to ensure there were no prohibited goods on board. In response, the Russian Navy utilized warning gunfire to ensure compliance.

Subsequently, a Russian helicopter, carrying an inspection team, took off from Vasily Bykov to conduct an inspection aboard the cargo ship. Upon completion of the inspection, the Sukru Okan resumed its journey towards Izmail.

Kamov Ka-29

The Ka-29 is a variant of the Russian Kamov family of helicopters tailored for naval operations. It possesses a dual role, functioning both as a transport and an attack helicopter.

Its avionics are tailored for maritime environments, allowing the helicopter to navigate over open waters. Its design is suited for operations from naval vessels, such as the Vasily Bykov.

In the context of the mentioned interception, the Ka-29's deployment was practical. Using a helicopter to transport an inspection team ensures a swift response and provides an aerial perspective on the unfolding situation.

About the civilian ship

The Sukru Okan is a cargo vessel with a detailed classification of "General Cargo." She was built in the Yildirim Shipyard in Istanbul, Turkey, and was launched in 1989.

The vessel is registered under the flag of Palau but was registered under the flag of Türkiye and has a gross tonnage of 2155. Her Summer Deadweight Tonnage (DWT) is 3270 tons, allowing her to carry a significant amount of cargo.

The Sukru Okan has a length overall of 86.35 meters and a breadth extreme of 14 meters. Her home port is ISTANBUL. Throughout her history, the vessel has had several names, including Sahin Kaya in 2021 and Haci Abdullah Tomba in 2013.