وكان عثمان من جهته يدرك جيدا الوجود الروسي منذ 23 نوفمبر تشرين الثاني لكن شعر بأن سفنه آمنة في الميناء.
Osman for his part had been well aware of the Russian presence since 23 November, but felt his ships were safe in harbor.