A crude oil tanker recently ran aground off Turkey’s Black Sea coastline due to harsh weather conditions. The vessel, weighing 105,576 deadweight tons (dwt), was attacked by drones on July 14 while it was in ballast and headed towards Novorossiysk, situated approximately 70 nautical miles southwest.
Current Status of the Crew and Vessel
Initial reports indicated that six Turkish crew members were on board during the incident. The Turkish Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure has confirmed that there is no immediate danger to the crew’s safety, and they are actively monitoring the ongoing developments surrounding the stranded tanker. Emergency teams from the Turkish Directorate General of Coastal Safety have been deployed to the location and are ready to respond as needed.
h2>Details of the Incident
The vessel experienced a significant hit to its aft section, particularly affecting the engine room, which led to a substantial explosion and fire within both the engine room and crew accommodation area. The resulting damage caused seawater to flood the engine room, leading to a total blackout of the vessel’s systems. Due to these perilous conditions, authorities have been vigilantly tracking the situation to prevent any further complications.
Salvage Operations
Following the damage sustained by the tanker, a rescue operation was initiated that spanned approximately five weeks. A specialized salvage team boarded the vessel to assess the damage and provide necessary equipment for both salvage and anti-pollution efforts. Their expertise enabled them to stabilize the tanker’s position and address the critical needs of the crew, including supplying a portable generator and executing essential repairs in the living quarters.
Towage and Final Delivery
Towage operations officially began on July 17, with the damaged vessel being pulled around for some time while awaiting instructions for its designated delivery spot. Eventually, in the latter part of August, the tanker was successfully delivered to the Offshore Port Limits (OPL) of Istanbul, Turkey, marking the conclusive end of the extensive salvage effort. This comprehensive operation showcases the collaborative efforts involved in maritime rescue and the importance of rapid response to emergencies at sea.