It also listed three problems with propulsion and auxiliary machinery, which investigators said was crucial since M V Rezzak was carrying a high-density cargo. Besides, it also had four deficiencies in navigation safety areas and one relating to radio communications.

The report by the Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control in the Black Sea Region — an international convention that governs the inspection of foreign ships — also says that nine of the 37 problems were “detainable deficiencies”, forcing Russian authorities to prevent M V Rezzak from sailing.

An investigator, who spoke to The Sunday Express on condition of anonymity, said 37 problems was a staggering number as the global average is around 10. An official at Turkey based Cmr Denizcilik ve Ticaret A.S., which managed the ship, refused to comment and said that all information about the ship had been forwarded to government officials and would be able to give more details only on Monday.