Collision in the Sea of Marmara: Two Tankers Involved
On December 30, a maritime incident occurred in the Sea of Marmara involving two tankers, the 141-meter long *Kalbajar* and the 115-meter long *Alatepe*. The *Kalbajar*, with a deadweight tonnage of 7,786, collided with the *Alatepe*, which has a deadweight tonnage of 6,239, at the Küçükçekmece anchorage near Florya, Turkey. The collision was triggered by strong winds that caused the *Kalbajar*’s anchor to drag, leading it to drift into the *Alatepe*. Fortunately, there were no reports of damage or pollution as a result of the incident.
Despite the lack of significant damage, the *Kalbajar*’s anchor chain became entangled in the *Alatepe*’s propeller. Authorities were promptly notified, and tugboats along with a response team were dispatched to the scene. The *Kalbajar* managed to restart its engine and successfully untangle the anchor chain. It then proceeded under its own power to deeper waters, where it dropped anchor in a safer location. However, during the incident, the *Alatepe* ran aground.
Divers Conduct Underwater Inspection and Refloating Operations
The day following the collision, divers conducted an underwater inspection of the *Alatepe*’s hull to assess any potential damage. Operations to refloat the grounded tanker commenced shortly thereafter. The *Alatepe* was carrying approximately 2,500 tons of chemicals at the time of the incident, raising concerns about the safety of the cargo and the surrounding environment.
Both vessels had crews on board during the collision. The *Kalbajar* had 14 crew members, while the *Alatepe* had 17. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries among the crew members of either tanker. The quick response from maritime authorities and the effective actions taken by the crew of the *Kalbajar* helped mitigate the situation, preventing a more serious outcome.
As investigations continue, authorities will likely review the circumstances surrounding the incident, including weather conditions and the operational status of both vessels at the time of the collision. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by maritime operations, particularly in adverse weather conditions.
