ISTANBUL, November 19. /TASS/. The crews of two bulk carriers, which ran ashore off Turkey’s coast in the Zonguldak province, have been saved; the search for one more distressed vessel continues, Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority said on Sunday.

"Three vessels were affected by the heavy rains and storm in Zonguldak. The search operation began immediately. Twenty-five people have been saved: twelve sailors from one ship and 13 - from another. The search for the third vessel with 12 seamen aboard, who are out of reach, continues," it said.

According to earlier reports, radio contact was lost with the Kafkametler bulk carrier flying the Turkish flag when it was approaching the port of Eregli in the Zonguldak province. The vessel was on its way from the port of Temryuk in Russia’s Krasnodar Territory to Turkey’s Aliaga. The crewmembers are Turkish nationals. According to the Turkish transport ministry’s maritime department, the captain sent a signal that the ship was drifting toward a breakwater. The search operation is complicated by a strong storm and torrential rains.

A larger part of Turkey has been gripped by bad weather this weekend. A Code Orange weather alert was issued in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and more than 60 other cities. Weather forecasts warned about gale-force winds, heavy rains, and flooding.