The Grace Romavictor oil tanker has been driven to the shores of Turkey as one of the consequences of the ongoing war in the Black Sea. This incident occurred on Monday, following severe storms in the area. The storms near Istanbul were accompanied by winds of up to 50 miles per hour, and sea conditions were extremely critical.
Details of the Incident and the Tanker's Condition
The Grace Romavictor oil tanker, weighing 49,990 tons, has run aground in the Çilingöz Natural Park in northwestern Istanbul due to severe storms and winds. Reports indicate that the ship was being towed by the tugboat Athletic (weighing 571 tons), which lost the ability to control the tanker due to adverse weather conditions, resulting in the towing line breaking. The tugboat ultimately sought refuge in the port of İğneada.
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Background of the Tanker and Its Consequences
The Grace Romavictor oil tanker was previously attacked by a Ukrainian drone near Novorossiysk in the Black Sea on August 31. In this attack, the crew of the tanker was evacuated unharmed. The ship, built in 2012 and managed from Dubai, has a length of 183 meters (approximately 600 feet).
Currently, officials at the Istanbul regional port are planning a rescue operation for this tanker. Initial investigations indicate that the tanker is mostly empty and no oil leak has been observed. While a week ago, Bulgarian officials also reported a larger abandoned ship near their shores, this incident highlights the impacts of the war on maritime traffic and the condition of vessels in the Black Sea.
This situation not only reflects the consequences of the war in the region but also negatively affects maritime security and rescue operations. Turkish officials are reviewing the situation and the need for necessary measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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