Shipping

Coast Guard Responds to Hostage Situation on Tanker in Istanbul

In a dramatic turn of events off the coast of Ambarlı, Istanbul, a crew member aboard the Palau-flagged oil tanker Giuse, which has been anchored since April 2024, has taken the ship's owner hostage. The crew has reportedly been without pay and has had limited access to provisions for an extended period.

Authorities  reported that the situation is being closely monitored and security measures have been heightened. All available resources are being mobilized to restore normalcy on the ship.

Efforts are ongoing to persuade the captain, while ensuring the safety of other crew members and seeking a resolution to the situation without violence.

No official statement has been released yet, and the public is awaiting further information from authorities. The incident has reignited discussions in the maritime industry regarding crew rights and working conditions, highlighting the severe impact of wage and provision issues on seafarers who spend much of their lives at sea.