Newsletters
Turkish authorities arrested the first and third captains of a cargo ship involved in a collision off Istanbul that sank another vessel on Wednesday, as search efforts continue for the missing 10-member crew and the ship’s wreckage.
The Turkish-flagged Tugberk Imamoglu, carrying rolled steel and construction rebar from Kocaeli to Aliaga, collided with the Turkish-flagged Alsu around 3 a.m. local time (GMT+3), about 18 nautical miles south of Istanbul’s western district of Silivri.
Tugberk Imamoglu is believed to have sunk after the collision, and authorities have been unable to reach its crew.
Nine of the 10 people aboard Alsu, excluding the cook, gave statements as suspects in the investigation. They were kept aboard the vessel under gendarmerie supervision while the criminal and administrative inquiries continued.
Alcohol tests on the suspects came back negative, while blood samples were also taken for further examination, the Silivri Public Prosecutor's Office said.
Following an initial expert report on the potential fault of those involved, six suspects were taken to Silivri Courthouse. The first and third captains were referred to a criminal judgeship with a request for detention, while the other four were referred for judicial control.
The court ordered the arrest of Alsu’s first captain, Ahmet Erarslan, and third captain, Murat Evciman. The other four suspects were released under judicial control.
Tahsin Dogruyol, the owner of the sunken ship, told Turkish media that the ship’s captain called him during the incident and reported that the other vessel was heading toward them.
"He pierced us at our weakest point. He hit the weakest part of the ships. I think that’s where it capsized," Dogruyol said, adding that he suspected the other vessel’s crew lacked sufficient experience in maneuvering.
Radio communications between the two captains also emerged after the collision, indicating that the crews had noticed each other before the incident and communicated about changing course.
Divers are expected to inspect the underwater sections of Alsu as the investigation moves forward.
Suspect statements indicated that two or three members of Tugberk Imamoglu’s crew were on deck before the ship sank. Authorities have found no evidence that they survived, while the wreckage has yet to be located.
The prosecutor’s office has ordered expert examinations and the collection of navigation, radar and communications records, as well as other evidence, to establish how the collision occurred and determine any responsibility.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
1 min read
1 min read
