Turkish Navy Confirms Wreck Site of Sunken Freighter Tugberk Imamoglu

The Turkish Navy has confirmed the wreck site of the coastal freighter Tugberk Imamoglu, which sank in the Sea of Marmara following a collision with a product tanker on September 2. The vessel was found at a depth of 720 meters, approximately 50 meters from its reported accident location.

Initial Collision and Search Efforts

The Tugberk Imamoglu collided with the Turkish-flagged Alsu at about 3 a.m. local time (GMT+3) on September 2, near Silivri, west of Istanbul. According to gCaptain, early reports suggested that a new third mate was operating the bridge while the captain slept, which may have contributed to the collision.

ROV Inspection and Wreck Location

The location of the Tugberk Imamoglu was identified by an underwater ROV device deployed from the TCG Akin, a rescue ship under the command of Turkey’s Naval Forces. The search efforts for the missing crew members continue 24/7 as confirmed by the Ministry of National Defense (MSB), with operations ongoing since the incident.

According to SeaNews Türkiye, the ROV first identified the name ‘Tugberk Imamoglu,’ confirming the identity of the wreck. The wreck site is approximately 900 meters below the surface and about 50 meters from where it was initially reported lost, according to the same source.

Search for Crew Members and Recovery Operations

The search efforts are focused not only on locating the ship’s VDR but also on recovering any remains of the 10 crew members who remain missing. The Tugberk Imamoglu had a total of 18 crew members onboard, with 8 safely evacuated from the vessel after the collision.

Practical Consequences for Operators

This incident underscores the critical importance of maintaining proper watchkeeping practices and ensuring that all crew members are trained in emergency procedures. Ship operators should review their bridge management protocols to ensure compliance with maritime safety standards, particularly when operating under conditions where fatigue may be a risk.

The deep-sea wreck location also highlights the challenges faced by search and rescue teams in conducting operations at such depths. Operators must consider these factors when planning routes through potential collision zones and should stay informed of any local marine traffic regulations that could affect their operations.

With the wreck confirmed, operators can now focus on coordinating with salvage teams to determine a safe and efficient recovery plan. This process is complicated by the depth of the wreck and the need for specialized equipment and trained personnel.