The hijacking of the ferry Avrasya in January 1996 was unique in its intent and the violent capabilities of those responsible. Rather than demand payment the hijackers seized the vessel as an act of terrorism intended to force politicial and military leaders to concede a battle on shore and allow a group of terrorists to escape to Chechnya. If they failed, the gunmen vowed to kill their hostages and destroy the ship. Avrasya was not the first vessel to be targeted for such purposes, but the terrorists on board, armed and fitted with suicide explosive vests, had the means and motivation to carry out their threats. With over two hundred lives in the balance, the Turkish and Russian governments faced significant challenges to somehow prevent the destruction of the vessel, the loss of the hostages, and anything that could be viewed as a terrorist victory to further their cause.