Foreign Bulk Carrier Fined Over 10 Million TL for Polluting Karasu Sea

A foreign-flagged bulk carrier anchored off the coast of the Karasu district in Sakarya was found to have discharged polluted ballast water into the sea. An administrative fine of 10 million 975 thousand 500 TL was imposed on the ship, while the captain and chief engineer were questioned as suspects.

During inspections conducted to prevent marine pollution in the Karasu district, it was determined that a foreign-flagged commercial vessel discharged polluted ballast water into the sea in violation of environmental regulations.

The incident, which occurred on November 12, 2026, in the Karasu anchorage area, led to the identification of the bulk carrier as the source of marine pollution, prompting administrative and judicial actions to be initiated.

Law enforcement teams detected the pollution.

Investigations carried out by the personnel of the Karasu Law Enforcement Support Team revealed that polluted ballast water was released from the foreign-flagged bulk carrier into the sea.

Following the detection of the discharge, which poses a risk to the marine ecosystem, an examination was conducted in accordance with the relevant legislation.

A fine of 10 million 975 thousand 500 TL was imposed.

As a result of the investigations, the ship was fined 10 million 975 thousand 500 TL for violating subparagraph 3 of clause (ı) of Article 20 of the Environmental Law No. 2872.

Statements of the captain and chief engineer were taken.

Regarding the judicial aspect of the incident, an investigation was initiated under the instruction of the Karasu Duty Public Prosecutor's Office.

In this context, the captain and chief engineer of the ship were questioned as suspects. The findings related to environmental pollution were documented, and administrative sanctions were applied to the vessel.

The name of the ship, flag state, and tonnage information were not disclosed in the published reports.

Source: SeaNews Türkiye