Turkish authorities promptly responded to calls for help when two tankers anchored near Istanbul faced a precarious situation. The vessels, close to the shore and affected by strong winds, prompted the dispatch of tugs and emergency services. The two small product tankers involved were the Azerbaijan-flagged Kalbajar, which was empty, and the Turkish-flagged Alatepe, carrying 2,500 tons of chemical cargo. Together, they had 31 crew members on board.
The Alatepe, measuring 463 feet and weighing 7,786 dwt, struggled to maintain its position amidst the rough seas. Meanwhile, the Kalbajar, built in 1995 and measuring 377 feet with a weight of 6,239 dwt, began drifting dangerously close to the Alatepe. Reports indicated that the Kalbajar‘s propeller shaft had become entangled with the anchor chain of the Alatepe, heightening the risk of a collision.
Turkish tugs quickly arrived on the scene to prevent further incidents as the crews worked to free the vessels. Fortunately, they managed to restart the Kalbajar‘s engine and maneuver it to deeper waters for safety. However, the Alatepe ultimately ran aground, prompting salvage operations. Fortunately, there were no injuries or pollution reported, and authorities are investigating the anchorage positions of both vessels.
