Browsed by
Tag: KEGM

Qendil

Qendil

Qendil
Photo: milatgazetesi.com

On the morning of January 4, the 249 meter long, 115338 dwt tanker Qendil (IMO: 9310525) ran aground in the Aegean Sea off Bozcaada Island, Çanakkale, Turkey. The crude oil tanker was headed to Yalova from Aliağa in ballast when it proceeded to the anchorage off Bozcaada.  The Çanakkale Strait Ship Traffic Services Directorate had alerted vessels in the area that strong southerly winds had impacted the strait. Authorities suspended all traffic and closed the strait to all vessels.

While waiting for conditions to improve to allow traffic to transit the strait, the Qendil was blown ashore off Polente feneri on Bozcaada Island. The tanker contacted Turkish authorities who dispatched the KEGM tugboats Kurtarma-10 (IMO: 9598593) and Kurtarma-16 (IMO: 9915052) to the area.  Reports state that salvage efforts will depend on weather condition and hull integrity of the Qendil.  There were no reports of injuries to the 26 crew on board the tanker.  Authorities continue to monitor the vessel for potential release of pollution.

The Qendil has some added concern to Turkish authorities. The tanker has been reported as part of the Russian shadow fleet.  The tanker had been attacked in December 2025 by Ukrainian forces while off Libya. Authorities have not stated the exact cause of the grounding, but there has been some speculation from various sources. Some reports have stated the Qendil was already damaged by the Ukraine attack and the grounding was intentional. However, this theory of the incident has not been confirmed by authorities. An investigation into the incident is expected.

 

 

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.

 

 

MSC Gianna III

MSC Gianna III

MSC Gianna III
Photo: dha.com.tr

 

On January 2, the 201.5 meter long, 35848 dwt container ship MSC Gianna III (IMO: 9152856) became disabled in the Çanakkale Strait off Kumkale, Turkey. The MSC Gianna III departed from Italy bound for Tekirdağ when it suffered machinery failure and went adrift.

Turkish authorities were alerted and dispatched the 496 gt tugboat Kurtarma 17 (IMO: 9942990) and 235 dwt tugboat Kurtarma 18 (IMO: 9974890) to assist.  The tugs took the container ship under tow and proceeded to the Karanlık Liman Anchorage. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.

MSC Gianna III
Photo: avrupagazete.co.uk