Investigation Cites Negligence in Marmara Sea Ship Collision

An investigation into the collision between the vessels Tugberk Imamoglu and Alsu has found significant negligence aboard the Alsu, along with a disabled Automatic Identification System (AIS) on the Imamoglu, as key factors behind the disaster in the Marmara Sea. According to findings, the captain of the Alsu was asleep at the time of the incident, and bridge watch duties had been assigned to the ship's third officer, who had joined the vessel only the day before the collision occurred. Investigators noted that the Imamoglu's AIS tracking system was switched off prior to the crash, a lapse that prevented the two ships from detecting each other's positions in time to avoid impact. The ten crew members who were aboard the Tugberk Imamoglu remain unaccounted for, and search efforts have so far failed to locate them. Authorities have not yet released further details on the cause of the AIS shutdown or disciplinary measures related to the watchkeeping arrangements on the Alsu. The case has drawn attention to crew training and monitoring practices in the region, particularly the assignment of critical watch duties to newly joined officers unfamiliar with a vessel's operations. Further updates on the search and the broader investigation are expected as authorities continue to review the circumstances surrounding the collision.