A Russian ship named "Volga Neft 248", 126 meters long and 4.440 gross tons in weight, who had anchored at Ambarlı port in Istanbul was dragged on by strong winds and ran aground on 29 December 1999 at around 04.00 a.m. The ship split into two due to a crack emerging in its body, and its front part sunk. Despite unfavourable weather conditions, 15 crew members of the ship were rescued immediately without any loss of human life.

The ship was loaded with fuel oil and it is understood that 900 tons of fuel oil has leaked into the sea at the first stage creating a serious pollution risk for the Marmara Sea. Despite adverse weather conditions, efforts to stop the fuel oil from further spreading and to clean the leaked oil have been continuing.

This accident in the Marmara Sea has confirmed once again our views that the Turkish Straits can not be used as a transport route for oil. Moreover, this accident has underlined the importance of the increased inspections concerning the quality of ships using the Turkish Straits and other Turkish national sea areas in accordance with international standards, with a view to maintaining safety of navigation and protecting human life, property and environment. No ship has the right to threaten the environment of Istanbul or the health and the safety of its inhabitants.