10 Missing After Tanker Collision: Captain and Officer Charged
Turkish prosecutors arrest the ALSU captain and 3rd officer after a fatal collision in the Sea of Marmara left 10 crew.
The captain and third officer of the Turkish-flagged oil tanker ALSU have been arrested on charges of negligent homicide following a collision with the cargo ship Tugberk Imamoglu in the Sea of Marmara. The incident resulted in the rapid sinking of the cargo vessel, which went down in just 11 minutes, leaving all 10 crew members missing.
The Tugberk Imamoglu, carrying a heavy load of rolled steel, now lies at a depth of 900 metres, complicating search and rescue efforts. Authorities continue to scour the area, though no survivors have been found.
Investigation Reveals Critical Failures Aboard the ALSU: Collision
Prosecutors in Silivri have accused the ALSU’s captain and third officer of failing to uphold navigational safety protocols, directly contributing to the collision. A preliminary report identified multiple security breaches on the tanker, including inadequate emergency response and poor decision-making by the crew.
The third officer, who was on watch at the time of the accident, was described as inexperienced and unfamiliar with the vessel’s navigation systems. Investigators noted that no helmsman or lookout was present on the bridge, a violation of standard maritime safety procedures. The captain, who was not on the bridge during the collision, has been held accountable for failing to ensure proper supervision.
Nine of the ALSU’s 10 crew members were initially detained, with only the cook released. Six appeared in court on Thursday, and four were subsequently freed under judicial supervision. The captain and third officer remain in custody as legal proceedings advance.
Search for Evidence and Missing Crew Continues
The Turkish Navy’s TCG Akın located the wreck of the Tugberk Imamoglu, but authorities have not yet retrieved the vessel’s voyage data recorder—a critical piece of evidence that could clarify the events leading to the collision. Recovery efforts face significant challenges due to the depth of the wreck.
Prosecutors have indicated that the investigation will examine potential shortcomings on both vessels, though the focus remains on the ALSU’s crew. The next court hearing is expected in the coming weeks, as families of the missing crew members await further developments.
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