Bulker Runs Aground in Bosphorus

A 177-meter bulk carrier ran aground at Umuryeri Point in the Bosphorus in the early hours of Wednesday, September 9, Turkey’s General Directorate of Coastal Safety reports.

The Panama-flagged El Condor Pas was en route to the Port of Samsun on the Turkish Black Sea coast when it ran aground at around 5 am local time.

The cause of the grounding is reportedly a navigational error as the 33,476 dwt vessel made a premature turn.

GAC reports that the bulker did not have a pilot on board and that no damage or oil leaks have been reported so far.

Coastal Safety immediately employed a tug and to assist the bulker which, according to the AIS, has not been refloated yet and remains in Bosphorus.

World Maritime News Staff