Collision Europe Bosporus Strait near Salacak · 19 September 2025
Ferry-Cargo Collision on the Bosporus Injures 12 – 19 September 2025
What happened
On 19 September 2025, the passenger ferry Kamil Sayın collided with the Panama-flagged cargo vessel Artvin in Istanbul's Bosporus Strait near Salacak, off the Üsküdar district. The collision occurred at approximately 8:30 p.m. local time and resulted in 12 injuries; no passengers or crew fell overboard.
Turkish Coast Guard units and emergency services responded immediately, dispatching coast guard craft and ambulances to the scene. The ferry was safely brought to Paşalimanı Pier, while the cargo vessel was escorted to a secure anchorage for inspection and damage assessment. A formal inquiry has been opened to determine the cause of the collision.
Details of the collision
The collision occurred around 8:30 p.m. local time near Salacak in the Bosporus Strait, one of the world's busiest and narrowest shipping lanes. The Kamil Sayın, operating the regular Beşiktaş–Üsküdar commuter route, struck the cargo vessel Artvin. Emergency teams, including coast guard craft and ambulances, were dispatched to the scene as part of the coordinated response.
Vessel and voyage
Vessels involved
- Kamil Sayın (IMO 8359859) – passenger ferry operating Beşiktaş–Üsküdar commuter route
- Artvin (IMO 8917869) – Panama-flagged cargo vessel
Location and time
- Bosporus Strait near Salacak, Üsküdar district, Istanbul
- Approximately 8:30 p.m. local time, 19 September 2025
Casualties
Fatalities
- None reported.
Injuries
- 12 people sustained injuries as a result of the impact.
- 2 ferry passengers were hospitalized via ambulance.
- Remaining injured received treatment at the scene.
Rescued
- No passengers or crew fell overboard; all accounted for.
Emergency response
Turkish Coast Guard units and emergency services responded immediately to the collision. The ferry Kamil Sayın was safely brought to Paşalimanı Pier following the incident. The cargo vessel Artvin was escorted by Turkish Coast Guard units to a secure anchorage point for inspection and damage assessment. Ambulances were dispatched to treat the injured at the scene and transport two passengers to hospital.
Investigation
A formal inquiry has been opened to determine the cause of the collision, focusing on navigation practices, traffic separation schemes in the Bosporus, and whether human error or technical failures played a role. Authorities have emphasized the importance of strict maritime safety in the Bosporus, one of the busiest and narrowest shipping lanes in the world, where passenger ferries and international cargo traffic frequently intersect.