Turgut Reis
While travelling from Le Havre to the Mediterranean, loaded with 18,000 tonnes of diesel oil, the oil tanker Turgut Reis entered a violent storm 170 km north of Corunna (Spain). On 15 December 1979, the ship sustained a major breach in the hull, allowing part of the cargo of diesel to spill out into the sea.
With the cargo leaking out and water seeping in, the crew requested immediate assistance. However, due to the atrocious weather conditions, help did not arrive until 8 hours later.
The Turgut Reis was towed to off Gibraltar. It was declared a constructive total loss and the wreck was sold to Turkish shipbreakers.
Source:
- HOOKE, Norman, 1997, Maritime Casualties 1963-1996, second edition, LLP Limited, London
Name: Turgut Reis
Date: 15 December 1979
Location: Spain
Accident area: 170 km north of Corunna
Cause of spill: damage to ship
Quantity transported: 18,000 tonnes
Type of pollutant: diesel oil
Quantity spilled: 220 tonnes
Ship type: oil tanker
Date built: 1954
Flag: Turkish
Last update: April 2006