On September 24, the 64 meter long 595 dwt ro-ro passenger ship Ariburnu (IMO: 8850683) caught fire in the Black Sea near Şile, Turkey. The Ariburnu was en route to Zonguldak from Kumkapi when a fire broke out in the vessel’s engine room.  Unable to contain the blaze, the crew sent out a distress call for assistance.  Authorities dispatched the tug Kurtarma-12 and the rescue boat KEGM-5 to the scene. Reports state that fire fighting efforts continued through out the night through the next day until the fire could be contained.  The Ariburnu sustained extensive damage in the engine room and much of its superstructure.

The following day the Ariburnu was taken under tow by the tug Mehmetcik to Karadeniz Ereğli, Turkey.  No reports of injuries or pollution released.