Alarm Off Istanbul as Tanker Collision Rocks the Sea of Marmara

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On December 30, 2025, authorities responded to a maritime incident in the Sea of Marmara off the coast of Istanbul, where two large tankers collided while anchored in the busy waterway near the Florya–Bakırköy area, reports Protothema.

Both vessels, flying different national flags, issued emergency distress signals, prompting an immediate dispatch of rescue and safety teams.

According to early reports, the two tankers made contact while at anchor in the Küçükçekmece anchorage, and shortly thereafter began to drift toward the shore. Maritime authorities, including units from the General Directorate of Coastal Safety and local rescue services, were mobilized quickly to assess the situation and assist as needed.

Operational Response and Conditions

The response effort included deployment of rescue and salvage assets to stabilize the situation and prevent escalation. Although detailed information on the extent of damage is not yet released, initial accounts from official and media sources indicate there have been no reported injuries or significant pollution at the time of reporting.

Weather conditions in the area reportedly featured strong winds and challenging seas, which may have contributed to the incident and complicated the response. Maritime investigations and monitoring remain ongoing to determine the precise cause of the collision and ensure the safety of crews and the surrounding maritime environment.

Local authorities continue to monitor the scene and gather information to clarify the circumstances leading to the incident, including coordination with inspection teams and ongoing maritime safety operations.

Reports remain preliminary, and further updates are expected as investigations proceed and rescue or salvage operations conclude.

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Source: Protothema