Mt-Niksar

The Bulgarian tug "Enterprise" began towing the "Pazar" towards the port of Varna on Oct 18 around noon. It was deployed in the region of Kaliakra cape, 70 miles east of Varna, where the tanker which was transporting sunflower oil to Istanbul has been stranded. An operation on pumping out water and drying the machine compartment has begun. Two Eurocopter AS565 Panther and two Cougar helicopters had been deployed in case the crew of 14 needed to be evacuated. They remained on standby until the ship was safe. The deck of the Turkish vessel had already been under water when the "Enterprise" arrived at 5 a.m. Had the stern gone a further 30 centimetres under water, the ship would have sunk. Rough seas with waves as high as four metres and night darkness made the pumping operation extremely difficult. After managing to keep the "Pazar" afloat and stabilising her, the "Enterprise" started towing the ship towards Varna. About 8 p.m. the Bulgarian rescuers delivered the vessel to the Turkish tug "MarineTug 1" sent by Turkish authorities to tow her to Istanbul. Report with photo: http://www.novinite.com/articles/171400/Bulgarian+Rescuers+Prevent+Sinking+of+Turkish+Ship+in+Black+Sea

The "Pazar" reported water ingress in the engine room70 miles off Varna. The owner contacted authorities asking for assistance. The crew refused to abandon ship as there was no danger of sinking. Bulgarian rescue forces, including helicopters, went on standby, ready to evacuate the crew. The vessel was en route from Odessa to Durres. A tug from Varna was to be sent to the disabled tanker to tow it to Varna.

M/T Pazar berthed on the port side the past day 15/09/2010, she was hit by A.H. Floriana by starboard side due to electronic failure, that has just leaving from the shipyard to start trials. Now she goes on berthed at Turia Norte dock in repairs, Valencia port on 18/09/2010. Text and pic by Manuel Hernandez Lafuente, pic at http://www.shipspotting.com/modules/myalbum/photo-1183335-PAZAR