Collision in the Marmara Sea

Two Turkish-flagged commercial vessels collided in the Sea of Marmara off Istanbul early Wednesday, and authorities have lost contact with one of the ships and its 10 crew members, according to the Istanbul governor's office.

The collision occurred at around 3 m. local time (0000 GMT) off the Silivri district, the governor's office said. The vessels involved were the Alsu, en route to the Aegean port of Aliaga, and the Tugberk Imamoglu, heading for the Black Sea port of Karadeniz Eregli, according to the governor's office as reported by multiple outlets.

Search and Rescue Underway

Coast guard ships and helicopters were dispatched to the scene for search and rescue operations. The governor's office said there was no visible damage to the Alsu, but authorities had been unable to establish contact with the Tugberk Imamoglu or its 10 crew members. The search and rescue operation was still under way, the governor's office said.

Some reports, citing the Anadolu News Agency, provided additional details. The incident occurred 18 nautical miles south of Silivri. Vessels from the General Directorate of Coastal Safety and the Coast Guard Marmara and Straits Command, along with a Coast Guard helicopter, were dispatched to the area, according to Anadolu News Agency.

Vessel Details

Data from the Istanbul Chamber of Maritime Commerce identified the Tugberk Imamoglu as a bulk carrier owned by Zeybe Denizcilik, and the Alsu as a chemical tanker owned by Ozpulathane Deniz Tasimaciligi.

Strategic Waterway Context

The collision took place in the Turkish Straits, a system of waterways comprising the Istanbul and Canakkale Straits and the Marmara Sea, according to the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The ministry has described the Straits as the only waterway connecting the Black Sea to the Mediterranean Sea, holding vital economic and military importance for Turkiye and other Black Sea riparian states. The ministry also noted that the Straits are among the most challenging waterways in the world for navigation due to strong currents, sharp turns, and unpredictable weather changes.