A ship measuring 114 metres in length, ran aground close to Üçağız (Kekova) on Thursday 3rd November.

The cargo ship Zorbey, was taking 3,000 tonnes of Russian wheat from Istanbul to Famagusta, in Northern Cyprus, when disaster struck.

The ship suffered damage to the engine room and began taking water onboard.  The Demre Coast Guard was dispatched and rescued the crew from the stricken ship.

Unfortunately, it is reported that 25 tonnes of diesel fuel leaked from the ship, into the sea.  The Coast Guard placed booms around the ship in an attempt to contain the spillage, but it is not clear how successful this action has been. 

We sincerely hope that significant damage to this exceptionally beautiful coastal area, has been prevented.

Attempts are being made to re-float the vessel.

Built in 1968, the Zorbey is owned by an Istanbul company, flagged in Cambodia, and has a Turkish crew.  For more details of this ship, click here: Marine Traffic - Zorbey

Photo from Antalya Yerel Haber. Copyright acknowledged. 

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