Search Underway for 10 Crew After Ship Sinks Off Istanbul

Turkish authorities are continuing search operations for 10 crew members reported missing after a cargo ship sank off the coast of Istanbul. The incident followed a collision with another vessel, state-owned Anadolu Agency reported.

The collision involved two Turkish-flagged commercial vessels in the Sea of Marmara on Wednesday. One of the ships, carrying the 10 missing crew members, is believed to have sunk approximately 11 minutes after the impact, authorities stated.

Search and Rescue Efforts

Search operations were ongoing on Thursday, involving various Turkish emergency services. The coast guard, navy, and the disaster management agency are participating in the effort. Anadolu Agency reported that 18 vessels, five helicopters, two drones, an aircraft, and a naval vessel equipped for underwater searches have been deployed.

Incident Details and Investigation

The second vessel involved in the collision was reportedly undamaged and remained anchored off Silivri. An investigation into the cause of the accident is currently underway, according to Anadolu Agency.

(Reporting by Ezgi Erkoyun via Reuters; Editing by Ros Russell)