Ziegler One has been closely monitoring several maritime accidents that have occurred since November 19, 2023, at Eregli Port, Turkey.

GENERAL CARGO ships - TURKISH AND 

Ukrainian - COLLIDED

A strong storm on November 19 wreaked havoc at Eregli port, culminating in a collision between two general cargo ships, FALCONA and ENKO HASLAMAN, within the harbor. The adverse weather conditions hindered the vessels' maneuverability, leading to the unfortunate incident.  

According to initial reports, the Ukrainian ship ENKO HASLAMAN reportedly sustained considerable damage, leading to a distressing message from the vessel stating, "we are sinking." However, as of the morning of November 19, both ships remained afloat and anchored in the inner harbor of Eregli. This suggests that the accident, while distressing, did not result in the immediate sinking of either vessel.

Both vessels are now undergoing assessments to determine the extent of damages incurred during the collision. Early reports suggest that the accident did not lead to heavy damages, easing concerns about the safety of the vessels and the potential environmental impact.

As investigations into the collision unfold, the maritime community will be closely monitoring the findings to better understand the factors contributing to the incident. Insights from this incident can inform future safety measures, operational protocols, and weather-related navigation guidelines to mitigate the risks posed by adverse conditions in ports and harbor areas.

general cargo ship - Turkish - BREAKWATER INCIDENT, POSSIBLE SINKING

The general cargo ship KAFKAMETLER has been declared missing after losing contact with AIS (Automatic Identification System) following an incident where the vessel reportedly drifted onto the breakwater at the entrance of Eregli port. The ship, en route from Temryuk, Russia, to Aliaga, was carrying a cargo of 1542 tons of ferrosilicon.

The unfolding situation indicates that KAFKAMETLER encountered difficulties during a storm, prompting a call to Eregli for shelter on the night of November 18. Despite anchoring, the vessel was reportedly beached and eventually drifted onto the breakwater at approximately 10:15 LT on November 19.

While no specific information regarding damages or salvage efforts is available at this time, it is reported that all 12 crew members are believed to have been rescued. Officials have confirmed that a total of 25 seamen (13 from a previous incident involving FALCONA and ENKO HASLAMAN and 12 from KAFKAMETLER) were successfully rescued at Eregli on November 19.

The circumstances surrounding the disappearance of AIS signal since the grounding remain unclear, fueling speculation that the vessel may have sunk after hitting the breakwater. This raises concerns about the safety of the ship's crew and the potential environmental impact of the cargo, adding urgency to salvage and recovery efforts.

As authorities and maritime officials investigate the incident, the focus will be on understanding the events leading up to the grounding, assessing damages, and implementing measures to address any potential risks associated with the lost cargo.

The maritime community awaits additional updates regarding the status of KAFKAMETLER, hoping for reassurance regarding the safety of the crew and closure to the mystery surrounding the vessel's disappearance. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges posed by adverse weather conditions and the need for robust safety protocols to ensure the well-being of seafarers and the protection of the marine environment.

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