A cargo vessel traveling from Turkey with a load of timber began listing on Sunday, 25 October 2026. The ship encountered difficulty during its transit, prompting seven crewmembers to jump into the water after the vessel's list became severe. Rescue operations commenced following the incident, and the ship is currently anchored at the Port of Beirut. Authorities confirmed the vessel’s position as it remains secured within the facility. Investigations into the cause of the listing are ongoing, while the crew members remain under medical observation following their emergency exit from the craft. Officials in Lebanon continue to monitor the stability of the cargo ship as salvage assessments proceed at the port.
Vessel Specifications and History
The cargo ship Seahorse measures 100 meters, or 328 feet, in length. It possesses a deadweight tonnage of 9,483 dwt. Constructed in 1997, the vessel is currently registered in Panama. Records indicate the Seahorse accumulated listed deficiencies during its previous six port state inspections. These inspections occurred consistently over a period dating back to December 2025.
Emergency Response and Stabilization
Authorities detected 3.5 to 4 meters, equivalent to 11.5 to 13 feet, of water inside the number 5 cargo hold of the Seahorse. This accumulation of water contributed to the severe listing of the vessel off the coast of Lebanon.
Emergency pumping operations subsequently lowered the water level within that specific hold to between 50 and 60 centimeters, or 1.6 to 2 feet. Technical teams at the Port of Beirut managed these stabilization efforts to prevent further structural damage to the craft. Personnel continue to monitor the hold for any signs of recurring water intake as the vessel remains anchored at the facility.
Crew Status and Safety
Nine crewmembers, including the captain, remained aboard the Seahorse throughout the duration of the incident. These individuals stayed on the vessel while the ship experienced its severe list during the transit from Turkey. Their decision to remain on the craft contrasts with the seven other crewmembers who jumped into the water after the vessel began listing on 25 October 2026. Lebanese authorities have since placed all rescued personnel under medical observation. The captain and the eight remaining crewmembers were accounted for following the arrival of the ship at the Port of Beirut. Officials continue to evaluate the conditions faced by those who stayed on board as salvage assessments and stabilization efforts proceed at the facility. Medical teams monitor the health of all sixteen crewmembers as investigators look into the cause of the listing. No further injuries were reported among those who stayed on the vessel.
