The RASHA drifted in Ahırkapı due to anchor failure, colliding with UST ILIMSK. Damage reported; investigation ongoing.
The general cargo ship RASHA, en route from Lebanon to Romania, was adrift after failing to hold its anchor in the Ahırkapı Anchorage Area. During a maneuver to re-anchor, the vessel made contact with the UST ILIMSK, which was also in the same area.
Following the incident that occurred on November 13, damage was reported on both vessels. No details were shared regarding the extent of the damage. It was stated that the subsequent movements of the ships would be determined in accordance with the instructions of the Istanbul Regional Port Authority.
The Port Authority had issued a warning the day before the accident, alerting of strong westerly winds for anchorage areas including the Bosphorus, the Sea of Marmara, and Ahırkapı. Measures announced through the İMEAK Chamber of Shipping included continuous monitoring of anchor dragging and drifting, maneuvering when necessary, and informing traffic centers.
The reason why RASHA's anchor failed to hold is not yet confirmed. Initial reports of the accident did not include an explanation regarding the technical cause; the previously issued warning about the westerly winds has also not been confirmed to be directly related to the accident.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
