Two Ships Collide Off Silivri: 10 Crew Members Missing

ISTANBUL – A major maritime accident off the coast of Silivri has left 10 crew members unaccounted for after two Turkish-flagged commercial vessels collided in the Marmara Sea.

The collision occurred at approximately 3:15 a.m. on Wednesday, September 2, around 18 nautical miles (35 kilometers) south of Silivri, within the designated traffic separation scheme in the Marmara Sea.

According to initial information, the ALSU tanker, sailing from Kocaeli toward Aliağa, collided with the TUĞBERK İMAMOĞLU, a dry cargo vessel traveling from İskenderun Port to Karadeniz Ereğli.

According to the Directorate General of Maritime Affairs, the ALSU was carrying approximately 2,999 tons of motor oil, while the TUĞBERK İMAMOĞLU was carrying 4,199 tons of steel coils. Istanbul Governor’s Office later stated that the dry cargo vessel was carrying steel products and construction rebar.

Emergency signal detected at 3:26 a.m.

A critical development in the search and rescue operation came through the COSPAS-SARSAT satellite-assisted search and rescue system.

Authorities said an emergency signal was detected at 3:26 a.m. from an EPIRB, an Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon, operating in the Marmara Sea.

Following technical checks, the signal was identified as belonging to the TUĞBERK İMAMOĞLU. Turkish Radio subsequently attempted to contact the vessel, but received no response.

At 3:41 a.m., the captain of the ALSU tanker contacted the Vessel Traffic Services Center and reported that the tanker had collided with an unidentified vessel at around 3:15 a.m.

Further investigation confirmed that the two vessels involved in the collision were the ALSU tanker and TUĞBERK İMAMOĞLU.

No contact with the TUĞBERK İMAMOĞLU

Search and rescue teams were dispatched to the area after repeated attempts to establish communication with the dry cargo vessel failed.

Authorities also attempted to contact the 10 crew members by mobile phone, but none of the calls were answered.

Based on the vessel’s failure to respond and the available emergency data, authorities assessed that the TUĞBERK İMAMOĞLU may have sunk.

The first maritime search and rescue unit began moving toward the accident site at approximately 4:10 a.m.

Lifeboats found, but no crew members

Search teams later made a significant discovery.

Several lifesaving devices belonging to the TUĞBERK İMAMOĞLU, including its free-fall lifeboat, were found floating on the surface.

However, authorities reported that none of the missing crew members were found inside the lifesaving equipment.

Search and rescue operations were subsequently expanded across the surrounding waters.

Multiple vessels and helicopters involved

The Directorate General of Maritime Affairs said 14 maritime search and rescue units and one helicopter were initially involved in the operation.

According to the latest statement from the Istanbul Governor’s Office, the operation currently includes two Coast Guard helicopters, nine maritime units and three vessels belonging to the Coast Guard and Coastal Safety authorities.

Search teams continue to scan the area for the 10 missing crew members.

Sea depth reaches 800-900 meters

The extreme depth of the accident site is another major challenge facing rescue teams.

The Istanbul Governor’s Office said the sea in the area where the collision occurred is approximately 800 to 900 meters deep.

The search operation is therefore being conducted under difficult conditions, taking into account the depth and maritime conditions at the site.

ALSU tanker reported empty and visibly undamaged

Authorities also inspected the other vessel involved in the collision.

The Istanbul Governor’s Office reported that the ALSU tanker was empty and had no visible damage following the incident.

The tanker has also been involved in the ongoing search and rescue operation at the accident site.

Search and rescue operation continues

The search for the 10 missing crew members aboard the TUĞBERK İMAMOĞLU remains ongoing.

Authorities continue to monitor developments surrounding the maritime accident and are expected to provide further information as the search progresses.

As of the latest official statements, there is still no confirmed information regarding the whereabouts or condition of the 10 crew members. Search and rescue teams remain active in the area.