The ORIS HELGA, a Panama-flagged tanker, suffered a machinery failure in the Dardanelles, causing significant disruption before being safely towed.
A Panama-flagged chemical tanker named ORIS HELGA, which experienced a machinery failure while navigating the Dardanelles Strait, was brought to a safe anchorage with the intervention of two tugboats belonging to the General Directorate of Coastal Safety (KEGM).
The incident occurred on October 24, 2026, when the 118-meter-long chemical tanker was en route from Greece to Ukraine and suffered a machinery failure off the coast of Zincirbozan in the Dardanelles Strait.
The ship's captain reported the failure to the Vessel Traffic Services.
Following the machinery failure, the captain of ORIS HELGA communicated the situation via radio to the Dardanelles Strait Vessel Traffic Services Directorate.
In response to the report, the KURTARMA-17 and KURTARMA-19 tugboats belonging to the General Directorate of Coastal Safety were dispatched to the area.
Other vessels passing through the Dardanelles Strait were also informed about the incident.
Rescue teams that arrived in the area intervened with the tanker that could not continue its voyage due to the machinery failure.
Under the guidance of a pilot captain, the operation involved ORIS HELGA being towed by the rescue tugboats to the Şevketiye Anchorage.
The tanker was safely anchored there.
The cause of the failure has not been disclosed.
Initial statements regarding the incident did not provide detailed information about the technical cause of the machinery failure on the tanker.
Information regarding the type and quantity of cargo the vessel was carrying, the number of crew members, and the repair process was also not shared.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
