Rare Twin-Hulled Ferry Sea Star Tilos Sinks At Turkish Shipyard, Crew Airlifted By Ladder

Six people were safely evacuated after the passenger ferry Sea Star Tilos suffered water ingress and partially sank at a shipyard in Yalova, northwestern Turkey, on Wednesday, February 18.

The Guinea-Bissau-registered vessel was undergoing maintenance at Altinova Shipyard when severe weather struck the region.

All six yard workers on board were rescued without injury.

The Sea Star Tilos was moored at a repair berth in the Altinova district of Yalova when a storm passed through the area. Strong waves and heavy weather conditions caused the vessel to take on water.

The flooding worsened rapidly, and the ferry began to sink alongside the pier. The six workers on board were unable to step onto the adjacent quay because the vessel was being violently rocked by waves.

Local authorities have not yet confirmed the exact cause of the water ingress.

Firefighters from Altinova responded to the emergency with a ladder truck. In a rare maneuver, they lowered the ladder to near-horizontal position and extended it over the water toward the ferry.

Each worker entered a rescue basket attached to the ladder. The fire crew then retracted the ladder, bringing the men safely back to shore one by one.

All six individuals were medically evaluated. No injuries were reported.

The ferry later settled near its berth, increasing the risk of localised pollution. Authorities have not yet disclosed details about fuel quantity on board.

The Sea Star Tilos is a small twin-hulled Surface Effect Ship (SES), a rare vessel type that combines elements of a hovercraft and a catamaran. SES vessels operate on an air cushion between two rigid side hulls, allowing high speeds while maintaining stability.

The ferry typically operates an international passenger route between Rhodes, Greece, and Fethiye, Turkey. Its design allows for fast transit across relatively short regional sea routes.

Reference: bairdmaritime

Source: Maritime Shipping News