A cargo ship flagged from Iran, known as the Rona, has sunk in the Caspian Sea, prompting a swift rescue operation that saved all 14 crew members aboard. The incident occurred on January 14, 2026, when the Iranian dry cargo ship was reportedly en route to Russia, as indicated by data from MarineTraffic.com.
According to a press release from the Turkmenistan Government, the ship transmitted an SOS signal, leading to an immediate response from the country’s Coast Guard Services. A spokesperson detailed the series of events: “On January 14, 2026, the Coast Guard Services of Turkmenistan received the SOS signal from the Iranian dry cargo ship Rona, which was facing difficulties in the Caspian Sea.”
Emergency response agencies acted promptly, adhering to international marine regulations to ensure the safety of the crew. “The government agencies responsible for emergency response and prevention took all necessary measures to rescue the people on board,” the spokesperson added.
The successful rescue operation resulted in the safe retrieval of all crew members, who are reported to be citizens of Iran and India. Current reports suggest that the Turkmen authorities are carrying out procedures in compliance with international maritime laws.
This incident highlights the challenges faced by vessels navigating busy shipping routes in the Caspian Sea, a body of water bordered by multiple countries. The Rona’s sinking serves as a reminder of the importance of maritime safety protocols and the readiness of national services to respond to emergencies at sea.
Further updates are expected as the Turkmenistan Government continues its investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
