Two cargo ships collided off the coast of Silivri: Only empty lifeboats left behind

Two ships collided for reasons yet to be determined off the coast of Silivri, Istanbul, in the morning hours. The cargo ship named TUĞBERK İMAMOĞLU, which began taking on water after the collision, sank shortly thereafter.

Following the report of the incident to maritime security teams, a search and rescue operation was launched in the area. Teams from the Coast Guard Marmara and Straits Regional Command identified two lifeboats belonging to the sunken ship on the sea surface.

Initial examinations determined that the lifeboats were empty and contained no crew members. Search efforts for the 10-person crew reported to be on board are continuing with Coast Guard boats, a helicopter, and fast rescue boats belonging to the General Directorate of Coastal Safety.

SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS CONTINUE IN THE AREA

The Istanbul Governor's Office reported that the TUĞBERK İMAMOĞLU was loaded with rolled sheet metal and construction rebar, while the tanker involved in the accident, named ALSU, was empty. It was determined that the sea depth in the area where the accident occurred is approximately 800-900 meters.

It was learned that no visible damage was detected on the ALSU, which was involved in the collision, and that the crew on board is in good health. It was stated that efforts to escort the ALSU to a safe anchorage area with the assistance of Coastal Safety tugboats are ongoing.

News Source: 12punto