M/V TUĞBERK İMAMOĞLU sank after colliding with M/T ALSU in the Sea of Marmara; search for 10 missing sailors is ongoing.
On the morning of September 2, a Turkish-flagged bulk carrier, M/V TUĞBERK İMAMOĞLU, collided with the tanker M/T ALSU in the Sea of Marmara.
The TUĞBERK İMAMOĞLU, which was reported to be en route from İskenderun to Karadeniz Ereğli, sank shortly after the collision. Search and rescue operations were initiated by the General Directorate of Coastal Safety, the Coast Guard Command, and relevant teams to reach the 10 sailors on board. İmamoğlu Shipping shared its initial assessments and evaluations based on navigation records regarding the accident with the public.
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT On September 2, 2026, our Turkish-flagged bulk carrier, M/V TUĞBERK İMAMOĞLU, belonging to İmamoğlu Shipping, unfortunately encountered a maritime accident as a result of a collision with the tanker M/T ALSU while sailing from İskenderun to Karadeniz Ereğli in the Sea of Marmara.
Based on the current initial information and navigation records regarding the accident, it is understood that the M/V TUĞBERK İMAMOĞLU was proceeding along its designated navigation route within the Traffic Separation Scheme of the Sea of Marmara, in accordance with applicable international navigation and collision avoidance rules. There were no technical malfunctions or disruptions on our vessel that could have caused the accident. Our vessel has undergone the necessary annual class surveys in accordance with regulations, and the relevant class and legal certificates are valid.
Before the accident, the captain of our vessel established radio contact with the M/T ALSU, clearly informing them that the opposing vessel was entering our navigation area and issuing the necessary warning. Nevertheless, according to our current initial findings, a collision occurred as a result of the navigation maneuvers of the M/T ALSU, and our vessel sank shortly thereafter.
The search and rescue operations, which were immediately initiated by the relevant public institutions after the accident, continue with the participation of all relevant units, primarily the General Directorate of Coastal Safety and the Coast Guard Command.
Our company is closely monitoring the search and rescue efforts and is cooperating fully with the authorities. At this stage, our highest priority and hope is to reach the 10 sailors serving on our vessel as soon as possible. All our thoughts and prayers are with our sailors and their precious families.
Our company will provide all necessary information and documents for the official investigations and inquiries to be conducted to uncover the causes and circumstances of the accident in all aspects. We share the pain experienced by our colleagues and their families due to this extremely tragic event and express that we are with them with all our resources.
The public will be informed of any developments regarding the matter.
İMAMOĞLU SHIPPING AND LAND TRANSPORT TRADE INC.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
