No Casualties in Yalova Shipyard Explosion, Claims Denied

An important statement was made by the Yalova Governorship regarding the tanker explosion that occurred in the Shipyard Region located in the Altınova district of Yalova. It was officially announced that the claims spread on social media regarding the incident, suggesting there were numerous injuries, are unfounded. Following detailed inspections and field assessments, it was definitively confirmed that there were no casualties or injuries. Authorities emphasized that the public should not rely on such disturbing and baseless posts. Additionally, it was reported that security measures at the scene have been fully implemented and the situation is under control.

The incident emerged on 8 Temmuz 2026 at around 18.20 following a report received by the 112 Emergency Call Center. Immediately after the report, the Yalova AFAD Provincial Directorate and Yalova Municipality Fire Department teams were dispatched to the region. The teams arrived at the scene as quickly as possible, established a security perimeter, and immediately initiated necessary interventions. Based on incoming reports, the scale of the explosion and the subsequent fire were rapidly assessed. Thanks to the effective and swift response of the fire department teams, larger disasters in the area were prevented.

It was determined that the explosion occurred on a tanker that had been brought to the shipyard for maintenance and repair approximately six days ago. The vessel in question was identified as a tanker flying the Liberian flag, known as 'Fortuna One' (newly named Starmax). In the initial examinations conducted by expert teams arriving at the scene, it was concluded that the explosion was caused by a technical fault. Evidence collected during the investigation and physical examinations carried out clarified that a gas buildup inside the ship led to this massive explosion. Technical teams continue to investigate other potential risk factors on the vessel to prevent similar tragedies.

The fire that frighteningly broke out following the explosion was brought under control in a short time as a result of the intense and determined intervention of the fire department teams. AFAD and fire department personnel dispatched to the area began working with special equipment to ventilate the smoke accumulated inside the ship. Furthermore, cooling operations are being meticulously carried out to reduce the high temperature on the vessel and to prevent the risk of a possible secondary explosion. A detailed technical inspection is being conducted by expert engineers to determine whether the ship's structure has sustained significant damage. This intensive operation continues ceaselessly to completely secure the area and eliminate environmental risks.

In the latest assessment made by the Governorship, it was announced that the 21 crew members on board the ship and the entire shipyard personnel are in good health, with no findings indicating they were affected by the incident. This development was met with great relief by both the families of the workers and the general public. Authorities once again reminded the public that, in order to access accurate information, only statements from official institutions should be trusted. It was also stated that legal proceedings could be initiated against disinformation attempts that create an atmosphere of panic on social media and do not reflect the truth. The successful crisis management by the teams arriving at the scene played a critical role in preventing a potential occupational accident and keeping the personnel safe.