The Marshall Islands-flagged tanker Front Altair suffered a steering gear failure while transiting the Dardanelles on August 23, temporarily disrupting its voyage through one of Turkey’s busiest maritime routes.
The incident occurred while the approximately 251-meter tanker was sailing in ballast from Yalova toward the Aegean Sea.
The vessel experienced the technical failure near Kepez in the Dardanelles, prompting the master to report the situation by radio to the Dardanelles Vessel Traffic Services.
Following the report, the Turkish Directorate General of Coastal Safety (KEGM) dispatched the tugboats Kurtarma-12 and Kurtarma-16, along with a pilot, to assist the tanker.
Front Altair was subsequently brought under control and safely towed to the Karanlık Liman anchorage area.
The towing operation was completed without injuries, and no environmental pollution was reported.
The incident once again highlighted the importance of rapid tug assistance and vessel traffic coordination in narrow and heavily used waterways such as the Dardanelles.
Front Altair had been sailing in ballast at the time of the failure, which helped reduce the environmental risk compared with a similar incident involving a fully loaded tanker.
After reaching the anchorage, the vessel was expected to undergo the necessary technical inspections and repairs to the steering system before being cleared to continue its voyage.
The exact cause of the steering failure has not yet been publicly confirmed.
Front Altair is expected to resume its passage toward the Aegean Sea once all required checks are completed and the vessel is considered safe for navigation.
Despite the technical malfunction, the incident ended without casualties, collision or pollution, thanks to the rapid response of the Turkish authorities and the successful towing operation.
