On March 16, the 274 meter long, 164608 dwt tanker Dashan (IMO: 9299666) became disabled on the Dardanelles near Eceabat, Turkey. The tanker en route from Novorossyisk to Port Said with 140,000 tons of crude oil when it suffered engine failure. Unable to restart its engines, the Dashan requested assistance. Authorities dispatched tugs which took the Dashan under tow and proceeded to Bozcaada for repairs. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.
On March 15, the 188 meter long, 32106 dwt container ship MSC Rhiannon (IMO: 9224051) ran aground in the Sea of Marmara near Yeşilköy, Turkey. The MSC Rhiannon was en route to Tekirdağ from Romania when it grounded and was unable free itself.
Authorities were alerted and dispatched the tug Kurtarma 9 along with the rescue vessel KEGM-3 to the scene. The vessels were able to free the boxship and the Kurtarma 9 took the MSC Rhiannon under tow.
Divers were requested to make an underwater survey of the hull for damage. No reports of injuries or pollution released.
On the evening of March 7, the 130 meter long, 7993 dwt container ship Orita (IMO: 9318931) allided with the 270 meter long, 149,686 dwt tanker Mia (unknown registry) in the Marmara Sea some 5 miles offshore of Beylikdüzü, Turkey. The Mia was at anchor when the Orita approached the anchorage and struck the aft port hull of the tanker. The Mia sustained damage with a ballast tank holed and releasing contaminated water into the sea. No reports of injuries on either vessel. The Orita did sustain visible damage, but there were no reports of pollution released from the container ship.
Reports state authorities dispatched tugs to the scene. The tugs ensured both vessels were secure while the Turkish Coast Guard determined the extent of damage to both vessels. Authorities have stated there is no large oil spill from the allision, but there were no details given on how much contaminated water was released. The Orita has been detained at the anchorage while authorities conduct an investigation. The Mia may be part of the Russian shadow fleet and was sanctioned by the United States in 2024 with falsely reporting the vessel was under the Guyana’s registry. The tanker has no listed management and has not been inspected since 2014.