A major search and rescue operation is underway in the Sea of Marmara after the Turkish cargo ship TUĞBERK İMAMOĞLU sank following a collision with the chemical tanker ALSU, leaving 10 crew members missing.
The incident occurred during the night of September 2, approximately 18 nautical miles off Silivri, Türkiye.
The two Turkish-flagged vessels involved were the chemical tanker ALSU and the general cargo ship TUĞBERK İMAMOĞLU.
ALSU was sailing from Kocaeli to Aliaga when the collision occurred. Initial inspections reportedly found no major visible damage to the tanker, which remained afloat following the incident.
TUĞBERK İMAMOĞLU was sailing from Iskenderun to Karadeniz Eregli when it was involved in the collision.
According to preliminary information from Turkish authorities, the cargo ship sank approximately 11 minutes after the impact.
There were 10 crew members onboard TUĞBERK İMAMOĞLU, and communication with the vessel was lost shortly after the collision.
All 10 seafarers are currently reported missing.
Turkish Coast Guard units, rescue vessels and helicopters were deployed to the area as authorities launched an extensive search and rescue operation.
Several pieces of lifesaving equipment belonging to the vessel were reportedly located in the area. However, the missing crew members had not yet been found at the time of the latest reports.
Search and rescue efforts remain ongoing, with maritime authorities continuing to cover the surrounding area by sea and air.
Preliminary information indicates that TUĞBERK İMAMOĞLU was transporting steel coils from Iskenderun to Eregli at the time of the accident.
The exact circumstances that led to the collision have not yet been established.
Authorities are expected to examine navigational data, communications between the vessels, weather conditions and other available information as part of the investigation.
The rapid sinking of TUĞBERK İMAMOĞLU and the disappearance of its entire 10-person crew make the incident one of the most serious maritime accidents reported in the Sea of Marmara in recent months.
The investigation into the cause of the collision continues, while search and rescue teams remain focused on locating the missing seafarers.
