The Turkish coast guard evacuated the crew members from the general cargo vessel Natalia, which ran aground off Istanbul on December 19.

The incident occurred in the morning hours after the vessel reportedly tried to drop anchor in the area. It subsequently dragged anchor in inclement weather conditions.

The freighter grounded at the northern entrance to the Bosphorus and listed 20 degrees starboardside, according to GAC Turkey.

Relevant authorities decided to evacuate the ship’s crew of 16 as weather conditions at the site deteriorated. Rescuers were forced to use a rope line in the rescue operation.

The Comoros-flagged ship was en route to Istanbul from Russia, according to media reports.

World Maritime News Staff