“Although there is no firm evidence, considering the extremely rough weather conditions, the size of the vessel and material found on the surface of the sea, the impression is that the M V Rezzak has sunk,’’ the DGS said in a statement.

Also, “as per reports received from the International Maritime Bureau (IMB), in view of the extreme weather conditions and location of the incident, the chances of hijacking or piracy appear unlikely,’’ the statement said.

MV Rezzak with 25 Indian crew, and transporting steel billets, was reported missing during bad weather in a busy sea lane in the Black Sea, barely 120 nautical miles from the Turkish coast, on February 18.

“We would suggest that the families of the crew seek compensation,” said P H Krishnan, Deputy Director General of Shipping.

The ship was “loaded to the brim”, according to officials, when it set sail from Novorossiisk in Russia for Bartin in Turkey. Investigations have said that the ship may not have been sea-worthy.

“The interim report on the casualty investigation of M V Rezzak from our investigating officer in Turkey indicates that the vessel indeed sailed from Novorossiisk on February 17 at 1.30 am local time. The vessel also sent a noon position on February 17,” the DGS statement said.

“Yesterday, we found debris five nautical miles off the coast of Turkey. The Turkish investigating authorities have found some parts of rafts and life buoys, along with immersion suits. These new developments now make us believe that the vessel may have sunk,” said Krishnan. “But no body nor any part of the ship has been found.”

On whether the debris was definitely from MV Rezzak, Krishnan said: “Looking at the conditions there, there is a possibility that the debris belongs to MV Rezzak. There are no definite markings. But those markings could have been erased by water”.

Krishnan also said the second report from the Kuala Lumpur-based IMB had ruled out the possibility of piracy. The DGS had sought a second report from IMB after raising concerns about the “abnormal” amount the MV Rezzak was insured for and its expensive cargo.

Asked about the debris being found five nautical miles from the coast when the ship was reported missing 120 nautical miles away, Krishnan said it could be the result of the debris drifting towards the shore. “The debris has been found by divers,” he said.