The Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier Anna Smile experienced an engine malfunction around the Kurucesme area while it was transiting the Bosphorus Strait, according to GAC.

At the time of the malfunction, the 225-meter long bulker was on its northbound transit in the area with a pilot on board.

The costal safety tugs Kurtarma 6 and Kurtarma 8 were employed for assistance and the Bosphorus was closed at 12:25 local time on December 8 to transit traffic, GAC added.

Following the incident, the 74,823 dwt Anna Smile was escorted to Southern Bosphorus Anchorage and the traffic in the area was resumed at 15:40.

According to AIS data provided by MarineTraffic, the 2004-bulker is currently at anchor off Istanbul.

World Maritime News Staff