M/T ALSU's owner addresses the collision in the Sea of Marmara, emphasizing ongoing investigations and vessel seaworthiness.
An explanation has been provided by the representative of the shipowner of M/T ALSU following the collision between M/T ALSU and M/V TUĞBERK İMAMOĞLU off the coast of Silivri in the Sea of Marmara.
After the accident that occurred on September 2, 2026, it was reported that contact with M/V TUĞBERK İMAMOĞLU and its crew was lost, while Aslan&Partners Law Office, speaking on behalf of the shipowner of M/T ALSU, stated that the exact cause of the accident would be revealed as a result of ongoing investigations and technical examinations.
“No technical failure was present”
In the statement, it was noted that all flag and class certificates of the Turkish-flagged M/T ALSU were valid, and the vessel was fully seaworthy, roadworthy, and cargo-worthy.
The shipowner's representative argued that no technical failure or deficiency that could affect the vessel's navigation or maneuverability was detected before the accident.
The statement also indicated that M/T ALSU was in communication with Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) during the accident and that the crossing maneuver in the traffic separation scheme was carried out in accordance with VTS instructions. This was also confirmed by the vessel's ECDIS records.
“Fault cannot be determined from radio records”
Following the accident, some segments of the radio communications between the ship captains were made public.
According to the records reported by Halk TV, the captain of M/V TUĞBERK İMAMOĞLU warned M/T ALSU by saying, “Alsu, turn to port,” to which the captain of ALSU responded, “Okay, okay.”
The representative of the shipowner of ALSU stated that evaluating the radio communications alone to assign fault to either party is not technically and legally correct.
The statement emphasized that the manner in which the accident occurred should be determined by jointly examining the VTS records, ECDIS records, AIS data, radar images, VDR records, radio communications, and other evidence.
Judicial and administrative investigations are ongoing
It was reported that a judicial investigation was initiated by the Silivri Chief Public Prosecutor's Office due to the accident, and an expert committee was appointed to begin examining navigation, radar, communication, and other technical records.
It was also noted that judicial examinations were being carried out on M/T ALSU, and administrative investigations at the Silivri and Ambarlı Regional Port Authorities were continuing.
The representative of the shipowner of M/T ALSU expressed confidence that the manner in which the accident occurred would be objectively revealed as a result of the ongoing investigations and expert examinations.
Meanwhile, search and rescue operations for M/V TUĞBERK İMAMOĞLU and its crew continue, while the completion of technical and judicial examinations is awaited for a definitive assessment of responsibility regarding the incident.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
