THE Liberian flagged 2,468 -TEU MSC Nadriely lost its first mate overboard off the Turkish Black Sea coast while en route from Poti Georgia to Tekirdag Turkey, reported Rostock, Germany's FleetMon.

The ship turned back and started search and rescue, and the Marine Rescue Coordinating Centre also responded, sending boats and aircraft, and asking other vessels in the area to assist.

The man was rescued next day by the Panamanian-flagged 6,648-dwt general cargo ship Moonlight and later transferred to hospital ashore.

It is understood that Ukrainian man spent all night in the water, swimming, and was spotted and rescued with daylight.