Istanbul, Türkiye – A passenger ferry and a Panama-flagged bulk carrier collided off the coast of Üsküdar on Sunday evening, leaving 12 people injured.
The privately operated passenger ferry “Kamil Sayın” and the cargo vessel “Artvin” collided around 20:30 local time near Salacak, for reasons yet to be determined. Following the incident, police, firefighters, and medical teams were dispatched to the scene.
Rescue boats KEGM-3 and KEGM-4, belonging to the General Directorate of Coastal Safety (Kıyı Emniyeti Genel Müdürlüğü) of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, arrived promptly to assist. The ferry was safely escorted to Üsküdar Pier, where passengers were evacuated.
Health officials confirmed that 12 passengers were taken to hospitals, with eight reported to be in stable condition. Video footage captured panic on board, with passengers donning life jackets and demanding medical assistance, while some were seen shouting at the cargo ship’s crew.
The Istanbul Governor’s Office stated that both vessels were removed from the Bosphorus traffic lane after the collision and confirmed that an investigation has been launched.
The Anatolian Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office ordered the detention of both captains involved in the incident. Police have taken them into custody, and they are expected to appear before court on Monday.
According to the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, the “Kamil Sayın” ferry was later escorted to Harem under KEGM-3’s supervision, while the cargo ship “Artvin” was guided to Sarıyer Büyükdere by KEGM-4 and a pilot captain. Authorities confirmed that no fatalities or environmental pollution occurred as a result of the accident.
Source: AA