A ship sank near Istanbul after colliding with a tanker belonging to the Russian Federation's shadow fleet
On the morning of September 2, the cargo ship Tuğberk İmamoğlu and the tanker Alsu collided off the coast of Istanbul. The cargo ship sank just 11 minutes after the accident.
There were 10 crew members on board the Tuğberk İmamoğlu—all Turkish citizens. They are currently considered missing. Rescuers found lifeboats on the surface, but there were no people in them.
The collision occurred around 3:15 a.m., 35 km from Silivri. The cargo ship was heading to Karadeniz-Ereğli and was carrying steel coils and construction materials. The tanker Alsu was sailing from Kocaeli to Aliaga.
According to the Black Sea Strategic Studies Institute, despite flying the Turkish flag, the Alsu is linked to Russia’s “shadow fleet.” The tanker, in particular, had called at Novorossiysk.
A search and rescue operation is being conducted by the Turkish Coast Guard, Navy, and other agencies. The vessel is believed to be lying at a depth of 800–900 meters, which significantly complicates the search.
Source: Hürriyet Daily News, Turkish Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure
In the Marmara Sea near Istanbul, the cargo ship Tuğberk İmamoğlu, with 10 crew members on board, sank after colliding with a tanker. Turkish rescue teams are conducting a search operation.
The Turkish shipping company Akkon Lines has completely suspended calls at Russian ports due to the escalating security situation in the Black Sea. The company cited increased risks to crews, vessels, and cargo.
