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Four decomposed bodies found in ballast tank area

Four decomposed bodies were found aboard the "Idc Pearl" which was being docked in Iskenderun, in a secluded compartment of the engine room. The bodies were found in a rotten state when the supramax arrived in Taiwan in late October 2015 to undergo repair work after a malfunction. The bodies could have been onboard the ship for up to five years. The ship underwent its five-year special survey in September, but the bodies were found between tanks in a part of the ship not usually included in the inspection. The bodies were thought to be those of refugees or stowaways rather than crew or shipyard workers, none of whom have been reported missing during the past five years. Nail marks were reportedly found on the door of the compartment. Taiwanese authorities refused to take the bodies and the bulker was forced to return to Turkey, where it anchored at the port of İskenderun on Dec 9, 2015. An investigation has been launched by the İskenderun Public Prosecutor’s Office. The Turkish authorities believed them to be stowaways who sneaked on board during engine maintenance works during the vessel’s stay in China. The ship sailed from İskenderun to Ravenna in the morning of Dec 11. An investigation was launched into the incident by the İskenderun Public Prosecutor's Office after the authorities in China informed the Turkish government about the issue. Following autopsy at the Council of Forensic Medicine (ATK) and identification, the bodies will be sent to related countries. Report with video: http://en.cihan.com.tr/en/ship-on-which-dead-bodies-found-leaves-southern-turkey-vCHMTk2NTIzMg==.htm