Anchor chain incident involving Azerbaijani, Turkish tankers resolved without damage PHOTO/VIDEO

An incident involving two tankers near Istanbul’s Küçükçekmece anchorage has been successfully resolved, with no reported damages to either vessel or the marine environment.

According to Mehman Mehdiyev, the head of the press service for the Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company (ASCO), the issue arose when the anchor chain of the Azerbaijan-flagged tanker Kalbajar became tangled in the propeller of the Turkish tanker Alatepe due to strong winds in the area, Caliber.Az reports. 

The incident, which occurred off the coast of Florya (Istanbul), prompted an immediate response from local authorities. A port supervision team was dispatched to the scene, while maintenance personnel worked to safely release the anchor chain from the propeller.

The rescue operation, which took place without the need for external assistance, involved the Kalbajar's crew starting the ship’s engine and maneuvering it out of shallow water. The vessel then safely made its way to open sea.

Mehdiyev confirmed that there were no damages to either tanker and that the marine environment was unaffected, with no leaks or pollution reported. At the time of the incident, the Kalbajar was empty, and there were no concerns for the safety of the crew.

The Kalbajar tanker is now fully operational and awaiting further instructions for its next journey.

By Sabina Mammadli