USICHEM

General information

Course/Position

Latest news

Tanker disabled in Bosphorus

On Dec 21, 2021, the Bosphorus was closed to two-way ship traffic due to a malfunction of the 'Uschem' at 9.30 a.m. off Anadolu Kavağı during the north-south crossing of the waterway. The ship, loaded with sunflower oil, was en route from Sulina to Sevilla and emergency anchored within the fairway. Coastal Safety deployed the tugs 'Kurtarma-5' and 'Kurtarma-8' as well as the lifeboat 'KEGM-5' to assist. The ship started its engine again at 11 a.m. and moved further with tug escort. The ship was moored at the Ahırkapı anchorage for repairs and then continued its voyage with an ETA as of Dec 28. Reports with photo and video: https://www.sabah.com.tr/yasam/son-dakika-istanbul-bogazi-gemi-trafigine-kapatildi-5795548?paging=3 https://twitter.com/kiyiemniyet/status/1473279591120834561

Repairs in Tuzla completed

The "Usichem", which had been disabled by a fire in the Mediterranean Sea 50 miles southeast off the eastern coast of Rhodes on Apr 19, has left the port of Tuzla, where it had been under repair since Apr 28, on Aug 2 and dropped anchor on the port's roads.

Tanker disabled after engine room fire

On Apr 19, 2017, a fire broke out in the engine room of the "Usichem" in the Mediterranean Sea 50 milessoutheast off the eastern coast of Rhodes. The master reported to the Greek Coastguard and the MRCC that the fire was extinguished, but his vessel disabled and adrift. The crew of 17 was trying to fix the engine and resume sailing. A patrol boat and a lifeguard sailed to the area immediately. A Super Puma helicopter took off, and two additional ships were asked to provide assistance if required. Winds on scene were blowing with four beaufort. At 1 p.m. the tanker was still drifting in vicinity 35 50N 028 50E. A tug was expected on scene on Apr 20 and tow the ship to Rhodes. It was loaded with 5900 tons of sunflower oil and was en route from Istanbul to Sudan.