On November 19, the cargo vessel Antakya ran aground in the Dardanelles off Nara, Turkey. The Antakya was headed to Yalova from Marmara Ereglisi with 2500 tons of cement when it suffered rudder failure. Unable to steer, the Antakya ran aground. Two tugs were dispatched and the Antakya was pulled freed a short time later. The Antakya was towed to a nearby anchorage. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.
The 162 meter long, 1703 dwt passenger ship Celestyal Crystal collided with the 182 meter long, 37,000 dwt tanker STI Pimlico at the entrance to the Dardanelles Straits off the Gallipoli Lighthouse. The Celestyal Crystal had departed from Mykonos, Greece to Istanbul with 853 passengers and 382 crew when it struck the STI Pimlico amidship on its port side. The tanker sustained significant damage with its cargo tanks punctured releasing naphtha into the sea. The STI Pimlico sustained water ingress and developed a 10 degree list. The Celestyal Crystal had severe structual damage to its bow. No reports of injuries on either vessel.
https://youtu.be/8ANHMBwgP
Authorities dispatched rescue boats and tugs to the scene. Booms were placed around the tanker to help contain the pollution. Tugs proceeded to start a cooling operation to help prevent a potential explosion. The crew on the STI Pimlico began transferring cargo from the damage port tanks over to the starboard.
The STI Pimlico was en route from Tuapse, Russia bound for Malta with 30,000 tonnes of naphtha. Some initial reports state the STI Pimlico had become disabled after a power loss before the collision occurred.
The 74 meter long, 2155 dwt general cargo vessel Sotra became disabled while passing through the Dardanelles. The Sotra had suffered engine failure with its cargo of 1800 tons of marble and had gone adrift. Authorities dispatched tugs to the scene and the Sotra was towed to a safe anchorage off Intepe, Turkey. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.