The 25,956 dwt freighter Elena B became disabled in the Instanbul Strait after loosing power near the Topkapi Palace. Two tugs and a Coast Guard rescue boat were dispatched to the scene. The Elena B was taken under tow to a safe anchorage. At the time of the incident, there was no pilot on board. No reports of injury or damage.
The 44 meter long, 483 gt ferry Ishan Alyanak sank at the port of Izmir, Turkey after the vessel struck the pier. The ferry with 250 passengers was approaching the pier when the rudder failed resulting in the collision. Reports state the there was some panic on board, but all passengers were able to safely reach the pier. The Ishan Alyanak’s hull was punctured and water ingress flooded the vessel until it sank with just the superstructure above the surface. The ferry had 10 tons of diesel fuel and 300 liters of oil was released. Authorities have placed a boom around the Ishan Alyanak to prevent the spread of the pollution. One report stated the vessel had a fire broke out in the stern section which may have lead to the rudder failing.
The 9210 dwt freighter Anja was disabled at the entrance of the Dardanelles when it suffered an engine failure. Authorities from the Traffic Services Center were able to send out the Kurtama 1 to the Anja to assist the vessel to a safe anchorage. The Anja with 11 crewmen was to deliver 7848 tons rolls from Ceuta to Gemlik. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution.
