Two Turkish-flagged commercial vessels collided in the Sea of Marmara off Istanbul early Wednesday, with authorities losing contact with one of the ships and its 10 crew members, according to the Istanbul governor’s office and reports from Turkish media.
The collision involving the ALSU and TUĞBERK İMAMOĞLU occurred at around 3 am local time off the Silivri district.
Turkish news agency DHA reported that the vessels collided about 18 miles south of Silivri.
The ALSU was travelling from Kocaeli to Aliağa, while the TUĞBERK İMAMOĞLU was sailing from İskenderun Port towards Karadeniz Ereğli, according to the Istanbul governor’s office as reported by DHA and TRT Haber.
Following the collision, multiple maritime units from the Turkish Coast Guard and
coastal safety authorities were sent to the area.
Coast Guard helicopters were also deployed as part of the search and rescue operation.
The governor’s office said an initial assessment found no visible damage on the ALSU.
However, authorities were unable to establish contact with the TUĞBERK İMAMOĞLU and the 10 people aboard the vessel.
Search and rescue operations by sea and air were continuing.
Reuters, citing data from the Istanbul Chamber of Maritime Commerce, reported that the TUĞBERK İMAMOĞLU is a bulk carrier owned by Zeybe Denizcilik, while the ALSU is a chemical tanker owned by Ozpulathane Deniz Tasimaciligi.
Turkish media reports said the cause of the collision had not yet been determined.
There was also no immediate official information on the condition or whereabouts of the 10 crew members.
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