Bulker Ship Fire in Dardanelles Strait Prompts Traffic Suspension

The AK Discovery, a bulker ship bound for the Black Sea, experienced an engine room fire prompting a temporary suspension of traffic in the Dardanelles Strait, a critical waterway. The vessel, registered in Barbados and managed from Greece, was coming from Egypt when the fire broke out. The fire was believed to have started in the engine room, causing smoke to be visible from the ship.

Turkish authorities dispatched rescue boats to the disabled bulker, with images showing them spraying water on the vessel’s funnel and stern to extinguish the fire. Once the fire was put out, Rescue-13 was tasked with towing the bulker to a safe anchorage. Traffic in the Dardanelles was halted but resumed once the situation was deemed safe.

The Turkish Coast Guard is investigating the cause of the fire to ensure the safety of the waterway. The AK Discovery had previously been cited during a Port State Inspection in Egypt for issues with its auxiliary engine, but was not detained. The incident highlights the importance of prompt response and coordination in maritime emergencies to prevent disruptions to critical shipping routes.

Source .