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A Malta-flagged chemical tanker drifted toward the shore off Istanbul’s Kanlica district while transiting the Bosphorus, coming close to a ferry pier and waterfront mansions before its crew dropped anchor and stopped it.
The vessel, named IVYAN, was carrying a chemical cargo from Bulgaria’s Varna Port to Italy’s Monopoli Port when it ran into trouble during its passage through the strait. The cause of the drift has not been determined.
The tanker came dangerously close to the coastline, including the Kanlica Ferry Pier and the historic waterfront houses known as yalis, according to the account provided.
It was reported to be at risk of running aground or striking structures on the shore.
The crew’s decision to drop anchor brought the ship to a halt and prevented it from hitting the shoreline. Measures were taken in the area to head off a possible accident.
Following a notification, teams from the Coastal Safety General Directorate were mobilized.
Two rescue tugboats were sent to the scene and intervened with the tanker. Work began to move the vessel from its position to a safe area, while an official statement on the cause of the incident and the ship’s current condition is awaited.
The Bosphorus, one of the world’s busiest and narrowest waterways, is known for dense maritime traffic and strong currents, which make navigation by large vessels a delicate task.
Chemical tankers that stray toward residential shorelines pose a risk to the marine environment and coastal safety in the event of a collision or grounding.
The incident came days after another mishap on the strait. On Oct. 7, an excursion boat named Bosfor, traveling off the Vanikoy shore in Uskudar, struck a yacht moored in front of the historic Kazasker Necmettin Efendi Yali, then hit the mansion’s pier.
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