Turkey launches search for missing crew after ship collision

Turkiye has started a search for a cargo ship following a collision between two vessels near Istanbul. Authorities lost contact with ten crew members after the accident. The coastguard is now running full rescue operations.

The crash happened at 3am, which was 00:00 GMT in time zones further west. It occurred in the Marmara Sea just over 20 miles south of Silivri. That suburb sits outside Turkey's biggest city. The Istanbul governor released a statement on Wednesday to confirm these details.

Contact went missing for the Tugberk Imamoglu. This ship flies the Turkish flag and carried ten people when the disaster struck. It hit another vessel named Alsu, which also flew the Turkish flag. Officials said the Alsu appeared undamaged after the impact.

Numerous naval units from the coast guard's Marmara and Bosphorus Command moved to the scene immediately. A coast guard helicopter joined the effort as well.