Egyptian-Flagged Bulker Grounds in Istanbul

DGCS The Egyptian-flagged bulk carrier M/V Wadi Safaga, owned and managed by Cairo-based National Navigation Company, ran aground at Ahirkapi anchorage, Istanbul, in the evening hours of December 6, Turkish Directorate General of Coastal Safety announced. Despite being warned by the Egyptian Traffic Control of the danger of grounding, the 80,443 dwt cargo ship continued its voyage. The cause of the grounding is under investigation. The 2010-built vessel, which was on its way from Taman port, Russia, Kerch Strait, had just transited the Bosphorus strait and was sailing in the southern direction towards Alexandria, Egypt, when the incident occurred. Tugboat Kurtarma-8 and fast rescue boat Kiyi Emniyeti 3 were sent to the area. DGCS said that there were no reports of pollution or damage to the vessel. World Maritime News Staff