he collision with the Handymax tanker STI Pimlico occurred while the vessels were passing the north end of the Dardanelles Strait Traffic Separation Scheme.
Both vessels suffered structural damage. The Marshall Islands-registered 37,000dwt tanker, listed as owned by Scorpio Tankers, is believed to be carrying a cargo of naptha and is leaking fuel oil from a damaged tank.
All 853 passengers and 382 crew members on board the Celestyal Crystal are safe, although three sustained minor injuries. The crew of the tanker are reported to be safe.
Celestyal Crystal passengers are being disembarked at the port of Gelibolu (Gallipoli), Turkey.
“With the safety and care of our passengers as our utmost priority, we will ensure the smoothest possible disembarkation for those on board since the current cruise will have to be cancelled,” said the cruise line in a statement.
The cause of the accident is under investigation.
