Incident Overview
The bulk carrier PILATUS MARINE grounded at Nara Turn in the Dardanelles, Türkiye, on July 29, 2026, after a reported engine failure. Vessel traffic through the strait was temporarily suspended while Turkish maritime authorities inspected and refloated the ship.
Authorities reported no significant hull damage after an underwater inspection. The vessel was subsequently moved clear, allowing northbound and southbound traffic to resume.
Incident Timeline
July 29: PILATUS MARINE reported an engine failure while approaching the Nara Turn in the Çanakkale Strait section of the Dardanelles.
The vessel subsequently grounded, and traffic was suspended in both directions as a safety precaution.
Türkiye's Directorate General of Coastal Safety coordinated the response.
Divers inspected the hull before the refloating operation proceeded.
After approximately 12 hours, the vessel was refloated and moved from the grounding position.
Northbound and southbound vessel traffic resumed after the ship had been cleared from the waterway.
Impact Analysis
The grounding caused a temporary suspension of two-way traffic through the Dardanelles. Traffic resumed after PILATUS MARINE was refloated and removed from the affected position.No significant hull damage was reported after the underwater inspection.
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