Turkish Cargo Ship Sinks: 10 Crew Members Unaccounted For Near Istanbul

A cargo ship flying the Turkish flag sank in the waters of the Sea of Marmara close to Istanbul following a crash with an empty oil tanker. The incident occurred early on September 2, 2026, as Turkish officials confirmed that 10 crew members are still unaccounted for amidst ongoing search and rescue efforts near Silivri.

The vessel, known as Tugberk Imamoglu, was transporting rolled steel and various metal products when it collided with the ALSU oil tanker approximately 18 nautical miles from Silivri. Reports indicate that the cargo ship went down within roughly 11 minutes of the collision, prompting urgent efforts to find the missing crew.

10 Crewmembers Still Missing

According to Turkish authorities, all 10 individuals aboard the Tugberk Imamoglu are Turkish citizens, including the captain and nine crew members. Concern arose when the ship stopped responding to communications, and attempts to contact the crew via mobile phones were unsuccessful.

Search teams have discovered life-saving equipment, such as a lifeboat and life buoys associated with the cargo ship, but unfortunately, no crew members were found nearby. As of the last update, no survivors have been located.

Extensive Search and Rescue Operation Initiated

Responding to the crisis, the search operation has recruited 14 vessels and a helicopter, as stated by Turkey’s maritime authorities. The ALSU tanker was not impacted by the collision and has also supported rescue efforts in locating the missing crew.

The sunken cargo ship rests in waters over 900 meters deep, presenting further obstacles for recovery teams. Turkish authorities are vigilantly overseeing the situation while efforts remain focal on tracking down the missing sailors.

Collision Details

Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu revealed that an emergency alert was received at about 3:26 a.m., with the collision occurring around 3:15 a.m.. This timeline indicates that the cargo ship sank shortly after the incident.

The swift submersion of the vessel has sparked inquiries into the reasons behind its rapid descent. Investigations are underway to ascertain the actions and movements of both vessels leading up to the collision.

Possibility of Human Error

Maritime experts have posited that human error could be a contributing factor, although this has yet to be confirmed. The Sea of Marmara serves as a heavily trafficked route, with close monitoring over vessels operating in this area.

Built in 1990, the Tugberk Imamoglu measured approximately 90 meters and was reported to be carrying around 4,200 tonnes of rolled sheet metal and rebar at the time of the collision.

This latest maritime accident has raised concerns about safety protocols in the Sea of Marmara, a crucial shipping corridor between the Black Sea and the Aegean region. This incident follows closely on the heels of another tragic maritime event near Northern Cyprus.

Turkish rescue teams continue their efforts to find the 10 missing crew members, with officials expected to release further updates as the situation evolves.