The local ferry "Ezine" collided with M/V Esperanza, a 88 meters long general cargo ship registered in Cook Islands, which was on the way from Lebanon to Romania.
Both vessels got damage due to the accident, however, no one was injured at both vessels during the accident.
The accident took place in the close proximity of Çanakkale ferry pier, where the ferry was destined to, starting from Eceabat at midnight.
Some buses on the ferry also got damage during the accident. Passengers said that there was a panic due to the accident after which they wear on the lifejackets and both vessels drifted together for a while after the accident.
All passengers and cars were disembarked after the accident when ferry got alongside Çanakkale pier.
Yeliz Sezer, one of the passengers of the ferry said: "We were in 10 minutes distance to Çanakkale, when a cargo ship crashed on us. At that time, everyone was panic and wear lifejackets. On board is very heavy damage and was said to be sinking in danger. The other ship was said to be very big damage. We were too close to a major disaster, "
A fisherman who witnessed the incident, Mehmet Arslan, said "I heard a voice. They drifted together. After they left each other" he said.
The bus driver, Mustafa Gezer, "Our ferry crossed the way of the ship. Thanks God we did not sunk. No one was hurt," he said.
After vehicles and passengers on the ferry evacuated, investigation was launched. Involved in the accident 'Esperanza' was ordered to anchor in the bay Kily. Ballast tanks of the ship reported to be damaged. The tug Söndüren 4 and fast rescue boat KEGK 9 were sent to the area for security purposes.
