**Turkiye Launches Search for Cargo Ship After Collision in Marmara Sea**
**Istanbul, Turkiye – September 2, 2026** – A significant search and rescue operation has been initiated by Turkiye's coastguard following a collision between two Turkish-flagged commercial vessels in the Marmara Sea. The incident occurred early Wednesday morning at approximately 3 AM local time (00:00 GMT), about 20 miles (32 kilometers) south of Silivri, a suburb of Istanbul.
According to a statement released by the Istanbul governor’s office, contact has been lost with one of the vessels, the Tugberk Imamoglu, which had a crew of ten on board. The other vessel involved in the collision, the Alsu, reportedly sustained no damage and is currently operational.
In response to the emergency, numerous naval units from the coast guard's Marmara and Bosphorus Command have been dispatched to the area. Additionally, a coast guard helicopter has been deployed to assist in the search efforts.
The collision highlights the ongoing risks associated with maritime navigation in the busy waters surrounding Istanbul, particularly in the Bosphorus Strait, which serves as a crucial passage for commercial shipping in the region.
As the search operation continues, authorities are focused on locating the missing crew members and ensuring their safety. Further updates are expected as the situation develops.