The 190 meter long, 45629 dwt freighter Rochester Castle became disabled after a machine failure while proceeding in the Bosphorus. The freighter’s crew dropped anchors to avoid the vessel going aground stopping traffic. Authorities dispatched a tug to the scene which towed the freighter to a nearby dock. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution being released. The Rochester Castle was scheduled to sail from Russia to Djibouti with a cargo of wheat.
The 114 meter long, 2778 dwt freighter Zorbey went aground off the coast of Demre, Turkey. The Zorbey, loaded with 3,000 tons of wheat, suffered damage in its engine room and water ingress. The master contacted the Coast Guard stating the Zorbey was in danger of sinking. The Coast Guard dispatched vessels to the scene and took seven crew off the Zorbey. The other crew remained on board and attempted to dewater the vessel. Reports state that 25 tons of diesel fuel leaked from the vessel into the sea. Authorities have placed booms around the Zorbey to prevent the pollution from spreading. No reports of injuries of the 15 crew. Authorities are providing support to help refloat the freighter.
The 110 meter long, 4179 dwt freighter Lisa became disabled while crossing the Bosphorus Strait. The Lisa contacted Traffic Control Center who dispatched a tug to the scene. The freighter was taken under tow to Gebze. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution being released.
