Engine Failure Strikes ‘Lady Sham’ in Busy Waterways
On February 1, 2026, the cargo ship ‘Lady Sham’ experienced a significant engine failure while navigating the Istanbul Strait near Keçilik Bay. The vessel was traveling from Tuzla to Burgas when it became disabled, posing a risk of drifting aground in the bustling waterway. Fortunately, the tug ‘Kurtarma 11’ (IMO: 9854399) was able to secure the disabled ship. Under the guidance of the Istanbul Ship Traffic Services Center, the ‘Lady Sham’ was safely moored at Büyükdere Anchorage. The vessel remained stationary at coordinates 41° 09′ N, 029° 03′ E until February 5, before finally resuming its journey and entering the port of Burgas on February 6.
Tugboats Assist in Rescue Operation
The operation to secure the ‘Lady Sham’ involved the prompt response of multiple tugboats. The ‘Kurtarma 11’ took the lead in securing the vessel, with the assistance of another tug, the ‘Kurtarma 9’ (IMO: 9598581). This coordinated effort ensured that the ‘Lady Sham’ did not drift into more dangerous waters, which could have had severe consequences given the heavy traffic in the area. The successful resolution of this incident underscores the importance of maritime safety protocols and the effective coordination among maritime authorities and tugboat services in the region.
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Previous Incidents Involving ‘Lady Sham’
This is not the first time the ‘Lady Sham’ has faced challenges at sea. On January 1, 2020, while en route from Bejaia to Tripoli, the ship encountered another engine failure in the Aegean Sea, drifting between Rhodes and Karpasos islands. The Greek Coastguard monitored the situation closely as the vessel drifted westward toward Karpathos. On January 4, it was towed by the Greek tug ‘Christos XXVII’ (IMO: 7729710) and safely anchored off Rhodes. Following an investigation, the Central Port Authority of Rhodes prohibited the ship from sailing until repairs were completed and a class certificate was issued.
Additionally, on January 20, 2019, the ‘Lady Sham’ was involved in a humanitarian incident. The ship picked up 144 migrants off the Libyan coast while traveling from Barcelona. Under advisement, the vessel returned to Misrata to disembark the migrants, highlighting its varied role in maritime operations beyond cargo transport.
The ‘Lady Sham’ continues to navigate the seas, facing challenges but also demonstrating resilience and adaptability in its operations.
