Storm Hits Istanbul, Tankers Send Distress Calls

Emergency distress calls were received from two oil tankers off the coast of Florya, Istanbul, as a severe storm struck midday.

The Azerbaijani-flagged tanker Kalbajar (141 meters) and the Turkish-flagged Alatepe (115 meters) collided near the Küçükçekmece Anchorage Area while battling massive waves.

Response teams, including tugboats from the General Directorate of Coastal Safety, were immediately dispatched. Both vessels sustained minor damage, and salvage and assistance operations are ongoing.