Sofular-1 Vessel Reviews and Specifications

In the early afternoon hours of October 10, 2025, the vessel 'Sofular 1', which was traveling from Sulina to Port-la-Nouvelle with a cargo of fertilizer, experienced a gearbox malfunction approximately 20 nautical miles from its destination. Unable to rectify the issue, the crew reached out for towing assistance from the CROSS MED. Fortunately, the vessel was far enough offshore and weather conditions were stable, thereby posing no immediate danger to the coastline or marine environment. As a safety precaution, the Mediterranean Maritime Prefect dispatched the emergency tug 'Abeille Méditerranée' (IMO: 9417749) to the area to be prepared for any possible escalation of the situation. Following negotiations between the vessel's owner and Les Abeilles, a towing contract was finalized. The 'Abeille Méditerranée' arrived at the scene later that evening and successfully took the 'Sofular 1' in tow. By mid-morning on October 11, the convoy reached the entrance of Port-la-Nouvelle. The 'Sofular 1' was anchored at coordinates 43° 02' N, 003° 09' E, awaiting scheduled technical assistance the following week. Meanwhile, the 'Abeille Méditerranée' made its way back to Toulon. The 'Sofular 1' remained moored until October 16 and subsequently entered Port-la-Nouvelle, where it has been stationary as of October 20.

On July 17, 2024, the vessel 'Sofular 1' encountered engine issues shortly after navigating the Bosphorus Strait, while on its journey from Yalova to Varna. In response to the emergency, the tugboat 'Kurtarma 11' (IMO: 9854399) was summoned for assistance. The tug successfully took 'Sofular 1' in tow and brought it to a secure mooring at Türkeli Anchorage, located at coordinates 41° 15.90' N 029° 04.10' E. For visuals and further details, you can view the reports with photos at these links: [TRT Haber](https://www.trthaber.com/haber/turkiye/istanbul-bogazi-gecisi-sonrasi-arizalanan-gemi-emniyetle-demirletildi-868920.html) and [X](https://x.com/kiyiemniyet/status/1813633247601181007).