A crude oil tanker ran aground on the Black Sea coast of Turkey due to severe weather conditions. The 105,576-dwt vessel had been attacked by drone on July 14, in ballast condition, whilst en route to Novorossiysk, approximately 70 nautical miles southwest of Novorossiysk, Eastern Black Sea.
Six Turkish crew members were aboard the vessel, according to initial reports. Turkish ministry of transport and infrastructure said Thursday there is no danger for the safety of the six crew on board, and developments are being closely monitored.
Teams from the Turkish Directorate General of Coastal Safety were deployed to the area and remained on standby as a precaution.
Authorities continued monitoring the situation around the stranded vessel.
The vessel reportedly was struck in the aft section by way of the engine room with subsequent heavy explosion and fire in the engine room and accommodation area.
Subsequently, water ingress flooded the engine room up to sea level and the vessel was in complete blackout.
After the tanker was damaged, a rescue operation began that lasted about five weeks.
Salvage team boarded and inspected the vessel, provided salvage and antipollution equipment and stabilised her condition. Moreover, the team provided equipment, including portable generator, and made all necessary repairs in the accommodation block for the crew.
On July 17, towage commenced. The casualty was towed around for considerable time awaiting nomination of redelivery place.
In the second half of August, the vessel was delivered at OPL Istanbul, Turkey when the five-week operation was completed.
