Flames Erupt on Disputed Tanker at Turkish Recycling Facility
As reported by various sources, a supertanker that had long served as a floating storage unit off the coast of libya is back in the spotlight due to a fire incident. The vessel, named Sloug, which has a deadweight tonnage of 251,500, is currently undergoing dismantling at a shipyard in Turkey.
the alarm was raised around 11 AM on July 3 at the Simsekler yard located in Aliaga, Izmir. Even though workers were evacuated without any injuries reported, safety measures prompted further evacuations across other sections of the yard as thick black smoke poured from the ship.
The local fire brigade sprang into action with ground units and six fireboats deployed to tackle the blaze and cool down the hull. Aerial firefighting was deemed too risky due to potential explosions from within the tanker. The flames raged on throughout the night, with estimates suggesting it could take several days before they are fully extinguished.
This incident adds to an ongoing saga surrounding this tanker,originally constructed in Italy back in 1973. After spending 16 years in commercial service, it was converted for floating storage operations off Libya starting in 1989 and continued under its new name untill being decommissioned in 2017. At an impressive length of 349 meters (1,145 feet), reports have indicated that its structural integrity may have been compromised over time.
ALİAĞA’DA TANKER GEMİSİNDE YANGIN DEVAM EDİYOR
İzmir’in Aliağa ilçesinde hurda gemilerin geri dönüştürüldüğü gemi söküm bölgesinde Sloug adlı gemide yangın devam ediyor.
Aliağa Gemi Söküm Sahası’nda bulunan Sloug adl… pic.twitter.com/Aa1SNhDC48— Radyo Trafik İzmir 102.5 (@radyotrafik35) July 3, 2025
Aliağa’daki gemi yangını gökyüzünü kararttı: Sloug kontrol altında https://t.co/SufkOvSEuL
— yeni İzmir (@yeniizmir_haber) july 4, 2025
Environmental advocates have raised alarms about claims that up to 6 tons of hazardous waste might still be onboard. In response to these allegations from recyclers who assert that it wasn’t merely an oil storage unit but rather had been cleaned out prior to arrival at their facility—documents allegedly from previous owners suggested otherwise; they claimed dangerous vapors could be present due to unvented tanks containing residual oil estimated at 50 tons.
The Turkish Ministry of Habitat addressed parliamentary inquiries stating inspections revealed no meaningful quantities of hazardous materials beyond essential components necessary for dismantling operations.
Gemi Söküm’de Sloug gemisi yanıyor!
Aliağa Gemi Söküm sahasında şimşekler şantiyesinde bulunan Sloug gemisi saat11 civarında yanmaya başladı ve halen yangın sürüyor; birkaç şantiyede çalışma durduruldu ve ölü ya da yaralı olmadığı bilgisi geçildi.
— EGE İŞÇİ BİRLİĞİ (@Egeiscibirligi) July 3,2025
Pictures reveal significant portions already removed from the forward section while much remains intact towards the stern end. Concerns about possible toxic residues aboard are hampering firefighting efforts aimed at ensuring crew safety amidst fears of explosions occurring during operations.
A union group has called for an inquiry into how dismantling commenced earlier this year when they believed proper cleaning procedures had taken place beforehand; they’re insisting all work cease until it’s confirmed safe for both workers and environment alike.
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