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Author: Paul Hancock

White Line

White Line

White Line
Photo: canakkalegundem.net

On the afternoon of January 3, the 75 meter long, 2052 dwt cargo vessel White Line (IMO: 8420713) ran aground in the Sea of Marmara off Martaş, Tekirdağ, Turkey. The White Line had departed from Libya in ballast bound for Tekirdağ when it went ashore near Martaş. The cargo vessel was attempting to dock at the port of Martaş when unusually strong southerly winds caused the cargo vessel to be blown up on the beach.

The Coastal Safety Directorate and Coast Guard were alerted and dispatched a response team to the scene. Finding conditions unfavorable, authorities determined that any refloating attempts would have to wait until better weather. No reports of injuries to the 9 crew members on board. Divers attempted to conduct an inspection the following day, but were unable to do a proper assessment due to the high waves.

Reports state the White Line had a recent history of deficiencies. The cargo vessel was detained multiple times in 2025 for structural issues and safety equipment not up to requirements.

 

Bitihi 2

Bitihi 2

Bitihi 2
Photo: KEGM

On the morning of January 4, the 98 meter long, 4811 dwt double hulled LPG tanker Bitihi 2. (IMO: 8817693) became disabled on the Sea of Marmara near Büyükada, Turkey. The Bitihi 2. had departed from it anchorage off Yeşilköy on January 2 and proceeded into the Sea of Marmara. While maneuvering the LPG tanker suffered machinery failure and lost main engine propulsion. The Bitihi 2. went adrift with winds pushing the tanker towards the Büyükada shoreline and was in risk of running aground on Adalar.

The General Directorate of Coastal Safety (KEGM) received a report of the disabled Bitihi 2. and dispatched the 38.5 meter long tugboat Kurtarma-9 (IMO: 9598581) to assist. The tug would arrived on site and secure a towline to the Bitihi 2. The vessels would proceed to the Tuzla Iron Field Anchorage where the tanker dropped anchor.

The General Directorate of Coastal Safety reported there were no injuries, damage or pollution released.

The Bitihi 2. was built in 1990 and has prior mechanical problems. In December 2015 the Bitihi 2 would suffer engine failure in the Bosphorus.  The following year  the tanker would suffer rudder failure in the Aegean Sea.  The Bitihi 2. has changed its name 5 times since 2021 and its flag 4 times.

 

 

Fishing Vessel Fire at Gyeonyu

Fishing Vessel Fire at Gyeonyu

On the early morning of January 3, a 3-ton fishing vessel (name not disclosed) caught fire in the Korean Strait at the port of Gyeonyu, Tongyeong, South Korea. The fishing trap vessel had been at anchor when a fire broke out onboard along the port side of the vessel. The captain, the only person onboard, attempted to extinguish the blaze but was unable to contain the blaze. Reports state the captain was able to escape the fire and reach safety with no injuries.

The Coast Guard at Tongyeong along with local firefighters were alerted and were able to extinguish the blaze within 30 minutes. The amount of damage to the vessel was not disclosed, but authorities stated the hull and stern had been damaged.

The South Korean Coast Guard has stated the incident is under investigation.