Bulker Runs Aground in Bosphorus

zoom A 177-meter bulk carrier ran aground at Umuryeri Point in the Bosphorus in the early hours of Wednesday, September 9, Turkeys 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. The traffic in the Strait has not been affected by this accident. World Maritime News Staff