A freighter named White Line has run aground on the northern shores of the Sea of Marmara, attributed to strong winds in the area. The vessel arrived near Marmara Port on December 30 and anchored. However, on Saturday at around 2:30 PM local time, it drifted from its mooring and grounded near a sandy beach, a popular tourist spot known as Santos Plaji. Local reports indicate that a severe windstorm impacted the ship.
Fortunately, there were no injuries or pollution reported, and as of Monday, the White Line remained aground, under the watch of the SAR vessel Tahlisiye 12. Rough sea conditions prevented a diving inspection on Sunday, but a thorough examination is planned once the weather improves.
The White Line is a 75-meter coastal freighter built in 1985 and is Turkish-owned, mainly operating in regional trade across the Mediterranean, Aegean, and Black Seas. AIS data reveals that the vessel has faced numerous port state control deficiencies, accumulating over 40 citations last year alone, with inspectors noting issues related to fire safety, cleanliness, and crew certifications.
This incident marks one of two groundings along Turkey’s coastline over the weekend. Another vessel, the sanctioned oil tanker Qendil, grounded near Bozcaada, while Turkish SAR responders successfully prevented a third grounding involving the LPG carrier Bitihi 2, which was drifting towards Buyukada. A salvage tug intervened, securing the ship in a safe anchorage off Tuzla.
Share it now
