Nine Tanker Crew Detained After Deadly Marmara Collision
Turkish prosecutors hold nine from the empty tanker Alsu after the cargo ship Tugberk Imamoglu sank.
Turkish authorities have detained nine crewmembers from the tanker Alsu after it collided with the cargo ship Tugberk Imamoglu in the Sea of Marmara, an incident that left the cargo ship sinking within 10 minutes and all 10 of its crew missing.
The collision occurred at approximately 0315 on Wednesday, 18 miles south of Silivri, off the western edge of Istanbul province. The first emergency signal was received at 0326, but by then, the Tugberk Imamoglu had already vanished beneath the waves. Prosecutors confirmed that no survivors have been found, and the wreck has yet to be located in waters reaching depths of 900 meters (2,950 feet).
Prosecutors are looking at ‘multiple breaches of safety procedures’: Collision
Turkish prosecutors, citing “multiple breaches of safety procedures,” are scrutinising the events leading up to the collision. According to preliminary findings, an inexperienced officer was alone on the bridge of one of the vessels, without a lookout or helmsman. The tanker Alsu, which was travelling empty, made no attempt to slow or reverse engines to avoid the collision, while the Tugberk Imamoglu’s Automatic Identification System (AIS) was non-functional.
Radio records indicate that the captains of both vessels communicated before the collision, suggesting they were aware of each other’s presence. However, when the ships were within 0.5 nautical miles of each other, the Tugberk Imamoglu suddenly altered course to starboard, veering across the tanker’s bow. The cargo ship, built in 1990 and carrying rolled steel, sank rapidly, leaving no time for the crew to abandon ship.
An initial visual inspection of the Alsu revealed no damage above the waterline, though divers have been called in to conduct a further survey. Prosecutors have ordered the collection and preservation of navigation, radar, and communication records from the tanker. Blood tests were also conducted on the crew, with initial results showing no indication of alcohol, though further analysis is pending.
Search and rescue operations
Search and rescue operations have mobilised a fleet of 15 vessels, 5 helicopters, 2 drones, and 1 aircraft, alongside forces from the Turkish Navy. Despite the extensive effort, only a lifeboat, life rings, and other debris have been recovered, no signs of the missing crew have been found. The depth of the area, ranging between 800 and 1,000 meters, complicates recovery efforts, and authorities are working with the Navy to secure specialised equipment for underwater searches.
The Alsu’s crew, excluding the cook, have been detained aboard the vessel while prosecutors gather statements. The case is expected to be brought before a court in the Istanbul region in the coming days. The Tugberk Imamoglu, a Turkish-flagged vessel measuring 90 meters (90 meters), was last tracked by maritime databases such as VesselFinder, which confirmed its cargo and specifications.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by crews in one of the world’s busiest shipping corridors. With the investigation ongoing, the maritime industry will be watching closely for lessons that could prevent similar tragedies in the future.
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