TUGBERK IMAMOGLU Collision in the Sea of Marmara on September 2, 2026

Incident Overview

The Turkish-flagged general cargo ship TUGBERK IMAMOGLU collided with the Turkish-flagged chemical/oil-products tanker ALSU in the Sea of Marmara, approximately 18 nautical miles south of Silivri, Türkiye at about 03:00 local time on September 2, 2026. Authorities assessed that the cargo ship sank rapidly. Its 10 Turkish crew members were missing at the initial reporting cut-off; a lifeboat and debris were recovered, but no survivors had been located.

Incident Timeline

• Approximately 03:00 — The two vessels collided in the traffic area south of Silivri. TUGBERK IMAMOGLU was sailing from Iskenderun toward Karadeniz Eregli with rolled steel; ALSU was sailing from Kocaeli toward Aliaga.
• Approximately 03:30 — Authorities detected an emergency beacon associated with TUGBERK IMAMOGLU and initiated a coordinated response.
• Approximately 04:10 — The first rescue craft reached the reported position. Search teams later found a lifeboat and debris.
• Initial official update — Two helicopters and 12 search-and-rescue vessels were deployed. Officials said the sinking unfolded in roughly 11 minutes and contact with all 10 crew members remained lost.

Current status at publication cut-off — Search-and-rescue operations and a public-prosecutor investigation were underway. No causal finding had been issued.