A sanctioned tanker, known as MT MIA, collided with a Turkish-owned containership, Orita, near Istanbul on March 7, 2025. The incident resulted in structural damage to the tanker and a leak from one of its ballast tanks, prompting a response from the Turkish Coast Guard.
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The incident occurred approximately five miles offshore from Istanbul.
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MT MIA is part of a shadow fleet and has been under U.S. sanctions since 2024.
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The Orita, a smaller containership, was maneuvering when it struck the stationary tanker.
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The leak from MT Mia was confirmed to be polluted water, though not oil.
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Emergency response efforts included securing the area and assessing damage.
Incident Overview
The collision took place when the Orita, a 130-LOA containership, struck the Mia, a 149,686 deadweight ton (dwt) tanker, while attempting to turn. Eyewitnesses reported that the Orita made contact with the Mia, which was anchored and stationary at the time. The impact caused a puncture in one of Mia’s ballast tanks, leading to a discharge of contaminated water into the sea.
Response Efforts
The Turkish Coast Guard was quick to respond, with the tug Efes 10 being the first vessel on the scene. It was tasked with cordoning off the area to prevent further environmental damage while authorities assessed the situation. A larger tug, Rescue 2, later joined the efforts to manage the incident.
The crew of the Mia worked on an emergency patch to stop the leak from the damaged ballast tank. Meanwhile, the Coast Guard began examining the Orita to determine the extent of the damage sustained during the collision. Reports indicated that the Orita had visible impact marks from the incident.
Environmental Concerns
While the Turkish Coast Guard confirmed that the leaked substance was not oil, it was still classified as a pollutant. The incident raises concerns about the environmental impact of such leaks, especially given the tanker’s murky ownership and operational history. The U.S. has previously cited the Mia for operating under false registrations, including claims of being registered in Guyana, which the Guyanese authorities have denied.
The collision of the Mia and Orita highlights ongoing issues within the maritime industry, particularly concerning the operations of sanctioned vessels and the potential environmental risks they pose. As investigations continue, the focus will remain on assessing the damage and preventing further pollution in the waters off Turkey.
Sources
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Sanctioned Tanker Struck By Containership Off Turkey, Leaks Polluted Water, Marine Insight.
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Video: Sanctioned Shadow Tanker Struck by Containership off Turkey, The Maritime Executive.
