The Turkish Navy has located the site where the merchant ship Tuğberk İmamoğlu sank

The Turkish Navy has pinpointed the location where the Tuğberk İmamoğlu sank on September 2 after colliding with another merchant ship. The search for the ten crew members continues.

During the operation, liferafts and a lifeboat were found, but they were empty.

A preliminary expert report points to violations of operational procedures and discipline on the bridge of the tanker Alsu. At the time of the collision, the second mate—who had joined the crew just one day before the accident—was on watch. There was no additional lookout or helmsman on the bridge, and the captain did not arrive there until 7–10 minutes after the collision.

At the same time, violations were also recorded on the Tuğberk İmamoğlu. Its AIS was either turned off or malfunctioning, and after agreeing to turn left, the vessel abruptly changed course to the right in the final stretch and entered the Alsu’s path.

According to experts, weather conditions did not cause the accident: visibility was approximately six nautical miles, and sea conditions were calm.

Source: Turkish Ministry of National Defense / TRT Haber.

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.

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.