Cargo Ship Allides With Historic Yacht Galeb In Port Of Rijeka

A Barbados-flagged general cargo vessel, Deniz Akay, allided with the historic yacht Galeb while manoeuvring in the port of Rijeka, Croatia, on 16 February 2026.

Authorities confirmed there were no injuries and no marine pollution reported.

The 107-metre cargo ship, operated by a Turkish company, lost control while approaching its berth inside Rijeka harbour.

Per initial reports, the vessel experienced a technical failure and lost propulsion during manoeuvring, leading to contact with the permanently moored Galeb, which is undergoing restoration as a museum ship.

According to port authorities, the freighter sustained minor structural damage to its port side.

The Galeb suffered visible impact damage to its port bow section. Some local media also reported that a harbour crane was damaged in the incident.

Adverse weather conditions, including strong winds, were affecting the area at the time. The vessel had begun to drift while anchored before attempts were made to regain control.

Automatic Identification System (AIS) data showed that Deniz Akay was moving at low speed within the harbour basin when the contact occurred.

As part of the ongoing investigation, both the harbour pilot and the vessel’s master underwent breathalyser testing, with results recorded at 0.0 per mille.

Authorities currently believe the incident was caused by a technical fault. The Croatian Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Transport and Infrastructure has launched a formal investigation.

The captain and crew of the vessel will be interviewed, and a decision on whether the ship will be permitted to continue its voyage will follow technical inspections.

The yacht Galeb, built in 1938, is historically significant as the former state yacht of Josip Broz Tito, the former Yugoslav leader.

The vessel is being restored by the Municipality of Rijeka with plans to open it as a floating museum and cultural venue. Approximately $14 million has already been spent on the restoration project.

Local authorities stated that structural assessments of Galeb are under way to determine repair requirements and to ensure the integrity of the ongoing refurbishment programme.

References: vijesti, etv

Source: Maritime Shipping News