The Antigua and Barbuda-flagged container ship Bilbao Trader lost power and began drifting in the Bosphorus on the evening of October 13.
The incident occurred at around 9:30 p.m. local time near Kuruçeşme, while the vessel was sailing from Istanbul toward Derince.
Following a technical failure, the container ship was reportedly unable to manoeuvre normally and began drifting in the busy strait.
Turkey’s coastal safety authorities responded quickly and dispatched rescue units to assist the vessel.
The response included rescue vessel Kurtarma 8 and Kıyı Emniyeti 4.
After assistance arrived, Bilbao Trader was brought under control and towed away from the hazardous area of the Bosphorus.
All crew members onboard were reported safe. No damage to the vessel and no marine pollution were reported.
Following the operation, the container ship safely cleared the strait under the supervision of the rescue services.
Bilbao Trader was built in 2006 and measures 147.82 metres in length and 23.4 metres in beam.
After the incident, the vessel anchored in the Gulf of İzmit, where it remained following its passage through the Bosphorus.
Further details regarding the technical failure that caused the vessel to lose power have not yet been disclosed.
