Two commercial vessels flying the Turkish flag were involved in a collision off the coast of Istanbul in the Sea of Marmara on Wednesday morning. The incident occurred around 3:00 a.m. near the Silivri district, prompting an immediate response from local authorities and maritime rescue teams.
Details of the Collision
According to a statement released by the Istanbul Governorate, the accident involved two specific cargo ships traveling in opposite directions. The first vessel, identified as “Alsu,” was en route to the Aliaga port on the Aegean Sea. It is registered as a chemical tanker. The second vessel, named “Tugberk Imamoglu,” was heading toward the Karadeniz Ereigli port on the Black Sea and is classified as a bulk carrier.
The Istanbul Governorate confirmed that the two ships struck each other during their transit. While initial assessments indicate that the Alsu sustained no visible damage, the situation regarding the Tugberk Imamoglu remains critical. Authorities have reported a complete loss of communication with the latter vessel and its crew of ten members.
Rescue Operations Underway
In response to the emergency, the Istanbul Governorate dispatched multiple coast guard ships and helicopter units to the exact location of the collision. These assets are currently engaged in search and rescue efforts to locate the missing crew of the Tugberk Imamoglu. Officials stated that these operations are ongoing, though no further details regarding the condition of the stranded ship or its personnel have been provided at this stage.
Data from the Istanbul Maritime Chamber corroborates the identities and functions of the involved vessels. The chamber noted that while the Alsu specializes in transporting hazardous chemical materials, the Tugberk Imamoglu is designed for carrying dry bulk goods. The precise cause of the collision has not yet been determined, and investigations are likely to follow once the immediate safety concerns are addressed.
The incident highlights the busy nature of maritime traffic in the Sea of Marmara, which serves as a crucial chokepoint connecting the Black Sea to the Mediterranean via the Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as rescue teams work to establish contact with the silent vessel.
