On February 6, the 110 meter long self-propelled barge Aurelio ran aground in the Black Sea at the port of Constanta, Romania. The Aurelio had been at its berth when strong winds cause it to break the mooring lines. The Aurelio was blown across the port until it ran aground on a sandbank near the remains of an old shipwreck. No reports of injuries.
Authorities dispatched two vessels to help refloat the Aurelio. No reports of damage or pollution released.
On January 10, the 140 meter long, 6407 dwt tanker Glard 2 collided with the 138 gt fishing vessel Dursun Ali Coşkun in the Black Sea some 5 miles off the coast of Kilyos, Turkey. The Glard 2 was headed to Izmir from Rostov-on-Don in heavy fog when it struck the fishing vessel. The Dursun Ali Coşkun quickly filled with water and sank within minutes. Three of the 6 crew on board the Dursun Ali Coşkun were later rescued from the water. The survivors were taken ashore and transported to hospital for treatment.
The Turkish Coast Guard launched a search and rescue operation to look for the remaining three men. The Coast Guard dispatched multiple lifeboats, patrol boats and helicopters to the scene. Nearby fishing boats assisted in the operation. By the next day, the Coast Guard had recovered the bodies of the missing men. Reports state the men may have been trapped in the cabin on the Dursun Ali Coşkun and were not able escape before the fishing vessel sank.
Reports state the Glard 2 proceeded to an anchorage near the entrance to the Istanbul Strait. No reports of injuries or pollution released from the tanker. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
On January 21, the 98 meter long, 4811 dwt LPG tanker Maestro and the 65 meter long, 1038 dwt tanker Kandy caught fire in the Black Sea near the Kerch Strait. The two vessels were involved transferring fuel when there was a sudden explosion on deck. Both the Maestro and Kandy were engulfed in flames killing some crew and others overboard. Black smoke spilled out alerting authorities.
Authorities recovered 11 bodies from the sea. The Kandy had a crew of 17 and the Maestro had 14 crew. Russian authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. No further details reported.