The incident unfolded shortly after an emergency call was received at 00:30, when violent weather conditions rendered a sailboat’s situation critical.
The distressed sailboat had lost its sails and suffered a main engine failure amid strong winds, leaving its two crew members stranded in treacherous waters. In response, the tanker’s crew executed a challenging 7.5-hour operation to approach and secure the vessel, ultimately bringing the sailors safely on board.
Expressing his admiration for the swift action, DİTAŞ General Manager, Hakan Karaca commended the crew’s seamless coordination and bravery, emphasizing that such acts of solidarity and seamanship are the bedrock of maritime operations. In a further show of recognition, Mersin Port Chairman Aytekin Sarıca visited the tanker to personally present a plaque to the captain, honoring the team’s quick and humane intervention.
This rescue not only averted a potential maritime tragedy but also underscored the enduring spirit of cooperation and dedication that defines the Turkish maritime community.