The statements of the first and third captains of the ALSU, who were remanded in custody following the collision with the TUĞBERK İMAMOĞLU off Silivri on 2 September, have emerged in Turkish media reports.
The TUĞBERK İMAMOĞLU sank approximately 11 minutes after the collision, while 10 members of its crew remain missing.
According to Turkish media, both captains have claimed that the TUĞBERK İMAMOĞLU changed course and collided with the ALSU.
Third captain says vessel was initially detected only by radar
Third captain Murat Evciman, who was on the bridge at the time of the collision, told investigators that he initially could not see the lights of the TUĞBERK İMAMOĞLU and that the vessel did not appear on the AIS system, but was visible on radar.
He said the distance between the two vessels was initially around 700-800 metres before falling to approximately 500 metres.
According to his account, the TUĞBERK İMAMOĞLU then altered course towards the ALSU.
Evciman said he issued a warning over the radio, telling the other vessel: “You are coming towards me, don't come.”
He said the ALSU subsequently turned to port, while the TUĞBERK İMAMOĞLU continued to starboard before eventually striking the starboard bow of the ALSU.
First captain says other vessel disappeared from radar
ALSU's first captain, Ahmet Erarslan, said he was resting when the collision occurred and went to the bridge after hearing people shouting that the two vessels had collided.
He told investigators that he saw the TUĞBERK İMAMOĞLU at a distance of approximately 300 metres and that its lights remained visible for two to three minutes.
The vessel then, according to his statement, “disappeared from the radar within 1-2 minutes”.
Erarslan also claimed that the ALSU's AIS was operating normally, while the AIS on the TUĞBERK İMAMOĞLU had been switched off.
He denied that the ALSU had caused the collision, maintaining that it was the other vessel that struck the ALSU.
Prosecutors investigating cause of collision
The accounts given by the two detained captains are being examined as part of an investigation by the Silivri Prosecutor's Office into the circumstances and cause of the accident.
The collision took place off Silivri on 2 September. The TUĞBERK İMAMOĞLU subsequently sank, with search and rescue efforts continuing for the 10 missing crew members.
The captains' claims have not been independently established and form part of the ongoing investigation.
Source: CNA
