On March 7, the 30 meter long tanker Izmail 2 caught fire in the Sea of Marmara off Hereke, Turkey. The three crew on board sent out a distress call and requested assistance. The Turkish authorities dispatched the patrol boat Kiyem 2 along with a tugboat to the scene. The Kiyem 2 was able to contain the fire assisted by the tugboat a few hours later. The vessels safely evacuated all three crewmen off the Izmail 2. No reports of injuries or pollution released.
The 115 meter long, 3159 dwt cargo vessel Bereket sank in the Marmara Sea near Istanbul, Turkey. The Bereket was laid up for winter at the Ahirkapi Anchorage when it sustained a leak near the engine room and water ingress. With no one on board at the time, the flooding continued until the vessel sank by the stern.
Local authorities were alerted and dispatched a team to monitor the situation. An oil sheen was spotted around the hull and pollution control efforts were started. An investigation has been started into the incident. Reports state the vessel had been unmanned and received no maintenance for several months.
On December 31, the 55 meter long, 882 dwt cargo vessel Guneyin ran aground in the Marmara Sea near Tuzla, Turkey. The Guneyin had been at anchor when rough weather struck the area. Strong winds caused the cargo ship’s anchor to drag and the vessel drifted ashore. Tugs were dispatched and were able to refloat the Guneyin and towed the cargo vessel back to its anchorage. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.
