Istanbul provincial government said two Turkish-flagged merchant vessels
collided in the Sea of Marmara near Silivri at about 03:00 local time (08:00
Beijing) on Wednesday. The chemical tanker Alsu, en route to Aegean port Aliağa,
and the bulk carrier Tugberk Imamoglu, bound for Black Sea port Karadeniz
Ereğli, collided. Coast guard vessels and helicopters are conducting
search-and-rescue operations. Authorities reported no obvious damage to Alsu but
have lost contact with Tugberk Imamoglu and its 10 crew. Search efforts are
ongoing.
