Sofular-1

On the early afternoon of Oct 10, 2025, the 'Sofular 1', en route from Sulina to Port-la-Nouvelle to unload a cargo of fertilizer, suffered a gearbox failure and went adrift approximately 20 nautical miles off the port of destination. As the crew was unable to repair the damage on its own, towing assistance was requested from the CROSS MED. Due to its distance from the coast and stable weather conditions, the vessel posed no immediate threat to the coastline or the environment. On the late afternoon, the Mediterranean Maritime Prefect ordered the emergenvy tug 'Abeille Méditerranée' (IMO: 9417749) to proceed to the disabled vessel as a precautionary measure to be ready to intervene in the event of a deterioration in the situation. Following discussions between the vessel's owner and Les Abeilles, a towing contract was signed. Late in the evening, the 'Abeille Méditerranée' arrived in the area and took the 'Sofular 1' in tow,. On the mid-morning of Oct 11, the convoy arrived in front of the commercial port of Port-la-Nouvelle, and the 'Sofular 1' was anchored in pos. 43° 02' N 003° 09' E, pending a technical intervention the coming week. The 'Abeille Méditerranée' headed back to Toulon. The 'Sofular 1' remained at its mooring until Oct 16 and then entered Port-la-Nouvelle, where it remained stationary as of Oct 20. .

On July 17, 2024, the 'Sofular 1' suffered an engine malfunction after completing the transit of the Bosphorus en route from Yalova to Varna. The tug 'Kurtarma 11' (IMO: 9854399) was deployed to assist, and the ship was taken in tow and safely moored at Türkeli Anchorage in pos. 41° 15.90' N 029° 04.10' E. Reports with photos: https://www.trthaber.com/haber/turkiye/istanbul-bogazi-gecisi-sonrasi-arizalanan-gemi-emniyetle-demirletildi-868920.html https://x.com/kiyiemniyet/status/1813633247601181007