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A Maltese-flagged chemical tanker named Ivyan ran into engine trouble while transiting the Bosphorus on a voyage from Bulgaria to Italy, forcing authorities to suspend vessel traffic in the strait, the Coastal Safety General Directorate said. The 110-meter ship was carrying 6,000 tonnes of vegetable oil and dropped anchor off Kanlıca when its machinery failed.

The Coast Guard and the Coastal Safety General Directorate sent the tugs Kurtarma 7 and Kurtarma 11 along with the Tahlisiye 9 rescue boat to the scene after being alerted. Ship traffic through the Bosphorus was suspended while the disabled tanker was dealt with.

Officials said the vessel would be towed to safety and secured at the Küçükçekmece anchorage area. Meanwhile, bystanders recorded the tanker's near-grounding on mobile phones, capturing the moments when the vessel came close to striking the shore before stopping.

Key Takeaways

• The Maltese tanker Ivyan suffered a mechanical failure off Kanlıca while carrying 6,000 tonnes of vegetable oil from Bulgaria to Italy.
• Rescue tugs and a lifeboat were dispatched to the scene, and Bosphorus ship traffic was suspended.
• The tanker is to be secured at the Küçükçekmece anchorage after nearly running aground.