Watch: Floating Dock Sinks at Turkish Superyacht Yard

In a startling incident, a floating dock sinks at a Turkish superyacht yard after experiencing a critical failure. This unexpected event, reported by Turkey’s General Directorate of Maritime Affairs, occurred at the Yachtley shipyard, located in Kocaeli’s free zone, known for its ship repair and newbuild capabilities.

Docking Procedure Goes Awry

The incident unfolded during a routine docking procedure, as a yacht was being brought into the 145-meter midsize dock for repairs. The directorate’s report indicates that the vessel intended for maintenance managed to remain unscathed during the incident. In a fortunate turn of events, all 24 workers who were on the drydock at the time were rescued safely, averting potential human tragedy.

Eyewitness Accounts and Bystander Footage

Dramatic scenes captured by bystanders and shared widely on social media depict the moment the floating drydock began to fail. Videos show the dock’s twin cranes dramatically rolling down their tracks as the structure slowly submerged.

Further images from the scene reveal that the drydock settled in relatively shallow water, leaving the crane booms partially visible above the surface.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Türk Deniz Medya (@turkdenizcom)

Investigation and Environmental Concerns

Following this incident, the Kocaeli Regional Port Authority has initiated an administrative investigation to ascertain the cause of the sinking. In the immediate aftermath, there were no reports of environmental pollution. However, local media drone footage showed a slick on the water, raising concerns about potential environmental impact.

The Bigger Picture: Safety and Environment

This incident at Yachtley’s facility brings to light the critical issues of safety and environmental protection in maritime operations. The successful rescue of the workers highlights the importance of emergency response readiness in such facilities. However, the subsequent slick indicates that even with no immediate pollution reports, the long-term environmental implications of such incidents cannot be overlooked.

Also Watch: Carnival Vista Saves 12 in Dramatic Sea Rescue Off Dominican Republic

A Call for Enhanced Safety Measures

As the investigation into the cause of the floating drydock sinking continues, this event serves as a stark reminder of the risks inherent in maritime industries. It underscores the need for stringent safety protocols and environmental safeguards, especially in high-stakes operations like those conducted in shipyards. The maritime community will be closely watching the outcomes of the investigation, hoping to learn valuable lessons that can prevent similar occurrences in the future.