Bosphorus Strait shut for rescue operations

ISTANBUL

Istanbul’s Bosphorus Strait was shut on Dec. 22 in order to rescue a transport ship that was stranded off the Yeniköy district early on Dec. 21. 

Tug boats were sent to the area in order to move the ship carrying corn, between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. The strait was closed both ways for the passage of international ships. The operation was carried out in the morning upon the ship captain’s demand. 

A member of the crew was seen working around the anchor, while other crew members were trying to move the ship to make the tugs function better, they also put water tanks in a part of the ship to prompt it to move.  

The Panama-flagged ship Star Harmony was stranded after its north-south passage on the strait, according to Directorate General of Coastal Safety officials. The incident occurred next to waterfront mansions located on the strait. There were no damages or casualties reported.   

Rescue teams also found a seagull injured in the accident and took it to veterinarians for medical treatment.

The Bosphorus Strait, which links the Black Sea to the Marmara Sea, is a narrow channel with several sharp turns and headlands, with changing currents. The aforementioned geographical conditions make the navigation very difficult and risky.

Ferry and ship incidents have occurred in the past on the strait, several of them causing injuries. Cargo ships have previously crashed into historic mansions near the strait.