The bulk carrier Karaagac collided with general cargo ship Princess Maria at the approach of Dardanelles Strait from Aegean sea. The both vessels were proceeding in same direction, but collided at the entrance of the strait due to lack of communication and violation of ColReg. The bulk carrier Karaagac suffered port board damages and breaches above the water line, but did not reported water ingress and not put in danger of sinking. The general cargo ship Princess Maria suffered bow damages, but also remained afloat without water ingress. The vessels were towed to the anchorage near the collision site for special survey and inspection. There were no injured people during the collision and no water pollution.

The local authorities started investigation for the root cause of the accident. According to preliminary information, the bulk carrier Karaagac crossed the course of general cargo ship Princess Maria in the separation scheme for approach of Dardanelles Strait, but from the starboard side. The lack of communication between the bridges of both ships and neglecting of the ColReg caused the accident.

The bulk carrier Karaagac (IMO: 9353216) was en route from Suez, Egypt to Bandirma, Turkey. The ship was built in 2007 by Shanghai Shipyard in China. The vessel has length of 190.00 m, moulded beam of 32.20 m and maximum draft of 12.00 m. The deadweight of the ship is 53,351 DWT and the gross tonnage is 32,474 GRT.

The general cargo ship Princess Maria (IMO: 7528556) has overall length of 96.00 m, moulded beam of 12.00 m and maximum draft of 4.10 m. The deadweight of the vessel is 5,766 DWT and the gross tonnage is 3,622 GRT. The general cargo ship was built Princess Maria in 1977 by JJ Sietas Schiffswerft in their shipyard in Hamburg, Germany. During the accident the vessel was en route from Iskenderun, Turkey to Kerch, Ukraine. The voyage will be resumed after repairs and full inspection from the Turkish authorities.