On December 31, the 55 meter long, 882 dwt cargo vessel Yakup Aga ran aground in the Marmara Sea near Tuzla, Turkey. As with the Guneyin, the Yakup Aga 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 Yakup Aga and towed the cargo vessel to Kartal. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.
The 187 meter long, 52980 dwt bulk carrier Star Harmony ran aground in the Bosphorus off Yeniköy, Turkey. The Star Harmony had departed from Odessa and was headed to El Dikheila with a cargo of 47,500 tons of corn when it suffered engine failure and ran aground just off the western shoreline. Authorities dispatched multiple tugs and patrol boats to the scene. Divers will inspect the hull for damage and tugs will begin salvage operations on the next high tide. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.
On December 3, the 138 meter long, 5859 dwt cargo vessel Volgo Don 203 ran aground and partially sank in the Sea of Marmara near Kartal, Turkey. The cargo vessel was caught in a storm while passing through the Istanbul channel and was pushed up on the channel embankment. The Volgo Don 203 sustained several hull breaches near the stern resulting in water ingress. The engine room completely flooded causing the vessel to partially sink. All 14 crew on board were able to be evacuated by local authorities. No reports of injuries or pollution released. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. Reports state the Volgo Don 203 will be salvaged.
