At approximately 8:40 a.m. on Wednesday, March18 ,2026, a tugboat belonging to Midia Marine Terminal capsized while assisting with unloading operations for an oil tanker at the offshore terminal in the Midia Port area.
The relevant authorities - ISU “Dobrogea” Constanţa and ARSVOM - are managing the situation, and the company is in direct contact with them. Unloading operations for the vessel at the terminal have been safely suspended, and there are no additional risks to report.
We will provide further updates as they become available.
UPDATE
According to preliminary reports, there were 5 people on board the capsized tugboat. One of them was rescued by the emergency services and resuscitated at Midia Port. Despite their efforts, the person was pronounced dead.
The other 4 crew members have not yet been located by the authorities, who are being assisted in the rescue mission by divers from the Midia Marine Terminal. The company is cooperating fully with the state authorities in both the rescue operation and the investigation into this incident.
The exact causes of the maritime accident have not yet been determined.
The company will provide full support and assistance to those affected and their families.
UPDATE 03.19.2026
Midia Marine Terminal, including its own diving team, is providing full support to the authorities involved in the search and recovery mission for the colleagues who went missing following yesterday morning’s incident. The operations are coordinated by the Romanian Naval Authority, through the MRCC (Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre).
The progress of the recovery operations depends on weather conditions and visibility. In accordance with the decisions of the authorities, the company is awaiting the resumption of the recovery operations for our colleagues.
Last night, during the extensive search and rescue efforts carried out by the authorities and supported by the company, one of the four missing colleagues was located inside the tugboat wreck, showing no vital signs. He was brought to the surface by military divers.
We extend our sincere condolences to the bereaved families, to our colleagues, and to all those affected by this loss. The company is providing all necessary support and assistance during these difficult times and urges respect for the privacy of everyone involved.
At the same time, specialized teams within the company have launched an internal investigation to determine the causes of this incident. Any relevant information will be provided to the competent authorities, with whom the company is working closely.
We also express our gratitude to all authorities involved in the search and rescue operations for their professionalism and support.
UPDATE
Our priority at this time is the recovery of our colleagues who went missing at sea, as soon as weather conditions allow operations to resume safely. At the same time, we are providing full support to the families of our colleagues and are cooperating with, and following the guidance of, the authorities in managing this situation.
An investigation is currently underway, and the company is providing all necessary information to the competent authorities, transparently, in order to clarify the circumstances that led to this incident.
We would like to mention that the vessel was authorized to participate in all types of operations specific to the offshore terminal. It had been involved in hundreds of such operations, including assistance for large tonnage oil tankers (AFRAMAX type) at the terminal located 8.6 km offshore from the Port of Midia.
Built in 2006, the tugboat underwent multiple recertification and overhaul processes, the most recent being completed in June 2025, when all necessary work was carried out to ensure safe operation under optimal conditions.
The most recent inspection for maintaining its class certificate, conducted by the naval classification society Bureau Veritas, took place on January 16, 2026. Additionally, the tugboat was inspected by the Romanian Naval Authority on September 10, 2025, with all mechanical and technical components certified by the competent authorities.
A Crisis Management Team 24/7 has been established to ensure continuous, centralized oversight of the situation, including coordination of rescue operations with the authorities.
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