A Turkish cargo ship, the 'Kafkametler,' with 12 crew members on board has gone missing off the Black Sea coast amid severe storms, according to local authorities.

The vessel, en route from the port to Izmir, reportedly sank due to adverse weather and sea conditions.

Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya provided details about the incident during a press conference held at Karadeniz Ereğli District Governorship.

“Due to adverse weather and sea conditions, the Turkish flagged dry cargo ship named 'Kafkametler,' which left the port to go to Izmir, sank by drifting and hitting the breakwater. There is still no contact with the 12 Turkish crew members on board,” Yerlikaya stated.

The region experienced powerful storms on Sunday, hindering search and rescue efforts. The adverse weather conditions prevented air and sea vessels from conducting searches, according to an official statement.

Various response teams, including the Coast Guard Command, Naval Forces, AFAD, Coastal Safety, gendarmerie, police, and fire brigade, are on standby.

Search and rescue activities are poised to commence immediately after weather conditions improve, as indicated by the governor's office.

Teams are deployed in the region, ready to launch operations once the weather permits. The situation is ongoing, and updates will follow as more information becomes available. (ILKHA)