Fuel Removal Commences for Grounded Cargo Ship Off Bari

MV Efe Murat aground off Bari, Italy. Photo: Costa Crociere

Crews have started removing fuel from the Turkish cargo ship Efe Murat which washed ashore along a breakwater in Bari, Italy during a storm last week.

Authorities in Italy have reported no pollution so far from the 5,786 dwt Efe Murat, but reports indicate that the ship has been holed in several places and is taking on water.

The Turkish-flagged ship ran aground February 23rd as winds along the Adriatic coast topped more than 60 knots.

Video shows heavy surf pounding the ship, pinning it on its starboard along a breakwater.

Sorvolo dell'elicottero del 3° Nucleo Aereo #GuardiaCostiera #Pescara, Nemo 11, sul mercantile Efe Murat, incagliato davanti alla costa di #Bari. Nessun inquinamento rilevato nel tratto di mare interessato. pic.twitter.com/RbYh35Rt0W

— Guardia Costiera (@guardiacostiera) February 23, 2019

AIS ship tracking data shows the ship was underway from Ortona, Italy to Aliaga, Turkey when the incident occurred. It is not loaded with cargo.

Authorities have said the salvage and oil removal operation is contingent on favorable weather.

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