10 Seafarers Missing After Marmara Collision

cargo ship Tugberk
Credit: Ata Bilgili / Marinetraffic

Ten crew members are missing after the Turkish-flagged general cargo ship Tugberk Imamoglu sank following a collision with the product tanker Alsu in the Sea of Marmara on September 2, The Maritime Telegraph reports.

The accident happened about 18 nautical miles south of Silivri, west of Istanbul. Turkish authorities launched a major search involving Coast Guard vessels, rescue units and helicopters. The Alsu also joined the operation.

Rescuers found the cargo ship’s lifeboat and other debris, but no crew members. Tugberk Imamoglu had been carrying rolled steel from Iskenderun to Karadeniz Ereğli.

The cause of the collision remains under investigation. The captain and third officer of the Alsu have since been arrested as Turkish authorities continue to investigate the accident.

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