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A Barbados-flagged cargo vessel operated by a Turkish company collided with the historic museum ship Galeb in Croatia’s Port of Rijeka after losing control during severe weather, authorities said.
No injuries or marine pollution were reported.
The 107-meter cargo ship Deniz Akay began to drift while anchored in Rijeka harbor as strong winds and adverse weather conditions swept through the area.
Officials said the vessel lost control during maneuvering operations, with initial findings pointing to a technical fault that resulted in a loss of propulsion.
Despite attempts by the crew to regain command of the ship, the vessel made contact with Galeb, a permanently moored historic yacht currently undergoing restoration.
Automatic Identification System data later showed the cargo ship moving at low speed inside the harbour basin at the time of impact, indicating that the incident unfolded during controlled harbour navigation rather than open-sea operations.
Port authorities noted that both the harbour pilot and the ship’s master underwent breathalyzer testing following the incident, with results recorded at 0.0 per mille.
Emergency teams, including port authorities and coast guard units, were dispatched shortly after the collision. Initial assessments confirmed material damage to both vessels, though officials stressed that no injuries occurred and no fuel leakage was detected, preventing environmental contamination.
Reports indicated that the cargo vessel sustained minor structural damage along its port side, while Galeb suffered visible impact damage to its port bow section. Local media also reported damage to a harbour crane located nearby.
Authorities said technical inspections are underway to determine the extent of repairs required and whether the cargo ship will be allowed to continue its voyage.
The ship struck in the incident, Galeb, meaning “Seagull,” holds historical significance as the former state yacht and so-called “Floating Residence” of Yugoslav leader Josip Broz Tito.
Built in 1938, the vessel has been undergoing a comprehensive restoration project led by the Municipality of Rijeka.
The refurbishment aims to transform the yacht into a floating museum and cultural venue open to the public. Local authorities said approximately $14 million has already been invested in the restoration program, making structural assessments following the collision particularly important for the project’s timeline.
Croatia’s Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Transport, and Infrastructure has launched a formal investigation into the incident. Officials will interview the captain and crew of Deniz Akay as part of efforts to clarify the sequence of events and confirm the role of technical malfunction and weather conditions.
A final decision on the vessel’s departure from Rijeka is expected only after safety and technical checks are completed.
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