A 180-meter long, 26,310 gross ton tanker named “MT/ HISTRIA ATLAS”, flying the flag of Liberia and en route from Bulgaria to Egypt, experienced an engine failure while passing through the Dardanelles Strait. The ship captain alerted the authorities, and the vessel was towed by the “Kurtarma-14” tugboat belonging to the Coastal Safety General Directorate to a safe zone in Bozcaada as per the instructions of the Vessel Traffic Services (VTS).
Due to the tanker’s malfunction, the Dardanelles Strait was temporarily closed to south-north transit ship crossings. However, by 04:25, the strait was reopened for maritime traffic after the tanker was secured in a safe area. The incident caused a delay in the passing of other ships through the strait but did not result in any major disruptions or accidents.
The safe towing and anchoring of the disabled tanker prevented any potential hazards or accidents in the busy waterway. The prompt response of the Turkish authorities, including the Coastal Safety General Directorate and the Vessel Traffic Services, ensured the efficient handling of the situation and the safety of both the disabled vessel and other maritime traffic passing through the strait.
The engine failure incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maritime safety and preparedness for emergencies in busy waterways like the Dardanelles Strait. This event highlights the need for regular maintenance and monitoring of ships to prevent such incidents and emphasizes the crucial role of coastal safety and rescue services in ensuring the smooth operation of maritime traffic and the prevention of potential accidents.
The successful resolution of the tanker’s engine failure in the Dardanelles Strait is a testament to the coordination and expertise of maritime authorities and rescue services in Turkey. By swiftly responding to the situation and following proper protocols, the authorities were able to minimize disruptions to maritime traffic and ensure the safety of the disabled vessel and other ships in the vicinity. The incident was a demonstration of effective crisis management in the maritime sector.
