Two bulk carriers collided in Dardanelles, both slightly damaged

(Maritime Bulletin) – Capesize bulk carrier ESL DOLPHIN collided with bulk carrier FREE STATE in eastern Dardanelles in Lapseki area, at around 2330 UTC Aug 24, while moving in opposite directions. FREE STATE is en route from Saudi Arabia to Istanbul, ESL DOLPHIN is en route from Black sea Turkey to Gibraltar. Reportedly, both ships sustained slight damages. ESL DOLPHIN has been turned back to Marmara sea and brought to anchor at Sevketiye anchorage, FREE STATE completed Dardanelles transit and was also anchored, near ESL DOLPHIN.

Bulk carrier ESL DOLPHIN, IMO 9520716, dwt 179527, built 2011, flag Liberia, manager BLUE DOLPHIN NAVIGATION CO LTD, China.

Bulk carrier FREE STATE, IMO 9386392, dwt 58679, built 2008, flag Marshall Islands, manager NEW HORIZON SHIPMANAGEMENT SA.