IVYAN Engine Failure Halts Bosphorus Traffic

Chemical tanker IVYAN lost propulsion in the Istanbul Strait on the evening of October 11, drifting toward the Asian shore near Kanlica before the crew deployed both anchors to stop the drift. Turkish maritime authorities suspended Bosphorus transit in both directions. No grounding occurred.

IVYAN is a 110-metre Malta-flagged tanker, MMSI 215867000, carrying approximately 6,000 tonnes of vegetable oil from Varna, Bulgaria to Monopoli, Italy. Propulsion failed at around 19:10 local time. The anchors held and no collision or grounding took place, but the strait remained closed while tugs were arranged.

Tugs reached IVYAN overnight and took the tanker under tow early on October 12. IVYAN was brought to Kucukcekme Anchorage on the European shore. Bosphorus traffic resumed once the tanker cleared the navigable channel. No environmental damage was reported and all crew were safe.

Engine failures in the Bosphorus carry serious risk because of the strait's sharp turns and strong currents. The week before, the Indian Coast Guard towed chemical tanker MT Seagull 9 to safety off the Odisha coast after main engine failure, with 23 crew recovered. The same week, MV Awka was left adrift in the Solomon Islands after engine failure with over 70 passengers aboard, requiring a multinational rescue response.

IVYAN was expected to remain at anchor for inspection and repairs before resuming its transit.