Turkey Detains Nine Tanker Crew Members after Deadly Sea of Marmara Collision
Turkey has detained nine crew members of the tanker Alsu after the vessel collided with the Turkish cargo ship Tugberk Imamoglu in the Sea of Marmara, as authorities continue a major maritime safety and search-and-rescue operation for the missing crew of the sunken vessel.
The collision, which occurred about 18 miles south of Silivri on Wednesday, has triggered an investigation into possible maritime safety violations, vessel navigation procedures and collision-prevention measures. Turkish prosecutors said no survivors had been found from the cargo ship, which investigators believe sank within approximately 10 minutes of the collision.
Cargo Ship Believed to have Sunk within 10 Minutes
A team of experts has been assembled to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision. According to a preliminary assessment, the Tugberk Imamoglu sank shortly after the incident.
Authorities received the first emergency signal at 0326 on Wednesday, while investigators believe the collision occurred at approximately 0315. Attempts to establish contact with the cargo ship and calls to the registered mobile phone numbers of its crew received no response.
Prosecutors said radio records show that the captains of both vessels communicated before the collision. Investigators believe the communication indicates that the crews had seen each other and were discussing their respective routes for passing.
The actual radio recording is expected to form part of the investigation.
Investigators Examine Possible Safety Procedure Breaches
According to reporting by AFP (Agence France-Presse), prosecutors are examining what they describe as multiple breaches of safety procedures.
Investigators are reportedly examining whether an inexperienced officer was alone on the tanker’s bridge without a lookout or helmsman. They are also examining why the tanker did not slow down or reverse its engines in an apparent attempt to avoid the collision.
The cargo ship’s Automatic Identification System (AIS) was reportedly not functioning. Investigators are also examining reports that the Tugberk Imamoglu suddenly altered course to starboard when the two vessels were within 0.5 nautical miles of each other, causing it to move across the tanker’s bow.
Major Search Operation Underway in Sea of Marmara
The search for the missing cargo ship and its crew has involved as many as 15 vessels, five helicopters, two drones and an aircraft, along with Turkish Navy forces.
Search teams have recovered a lifeboat, life rings and other debris from the area. However, authorities have so far found no signs of the 10 crew members aboard the Tugberk Imamoglu, all of whom were Turkish nationals.
The search-and-rescue operation remains focused on locating any possible survivors while authorities continue efforts to identify the wreck.
Nine Alsu Crew Members Detained
The tanker Alsu was traveling empty at the time of the collision. Turkish authorities ordered the vessel to anchor while its crew members were interviewed.
Nine of the tanker’s 10 crew members, excluding the cook, are under suspicion and remain detained aboard the vessel, according to prosecutors.
Initial tests reportedly found no indication of alcohol use, although blood tests were still being conducted as part of the investigation.
Divers to Inspect Tanker as Evidence is Preserved
An initial visual inspection of the Alsu found no visible damage above the waterline. Divers were reportedly being called in to conduct a more detailed inspection of the tanker.
Meanwhile, prosecutors have ordered the collection and preservation of navigation, radar and communication records as investigators work to establish exactly what happened in the moments before the collision.
These records are expected to be important in determining the movements, communications and navigational decisions of both vessels.
Cargo Ship Wreck could be nearly 1,000 Meters Deep
Government officials said they have so far been unable to locate the wreck of the Tugberk Imamoglu. Authorities suspect the vessel sank in waters approximately 900 meters (2,950 feet) deep.
The depth of the area is reported to range between 800 and 1,000 meters. Turkish authorities are working with the Navy to secure the assets required for further underwater searches and, eventually, a detailed survey of the wreck.
Investigation Expected to Move to Court
The investigation is continuing as Turkish authorities examine the navigation, communication and safety circumstances surrounding the collision.
Prosecutors were expected to bring the case before a court in the Istanbul region quickly as investigators continue gathering evidence and assessing the circumstances that led to the fatal Sea of Marmara collision.
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