An investigation has begun after an anchored cargo vessel was struck by another ship off Istanbul in Turkey.

The Deniz Haber website reported that the 1,500-dwt general cargoship Mare (built 1985) came into contact with the 3,200-dwt Turkey-flag Arel 4 (built 1983) in the Kartal area of the Marmara Sea on the afternoon of 29 May.

Turkey sent teams from its Coastal Safety agency to the site to record details of the accident.

The Vanuatu-flagged Mare was said to have lost control for an unknown reason.

The moment of impact was revealed in footage shot on a mobile phone from the shore.

The vessels can be seen on a busy stretch of water on what sounds like a windy day.

The bow of the Mare proceeds at slow speed into the stern of the Arel 4, before reversing away from the other vessel.

Turkish media said no casualties or pollution were reported from the incident.

Both ships suffer damage

The Coastal Safety crew observed damage to both ships, however.

Both vessels have insurance cover from the Noord Nederlandsche P&I Club.

The Mare is operated by Efe Gemi Isletmeciligi Sanayi of Turkey.

The vessel has no port state control detentions dating all the way back to 1998.

The Arel 4 is operated by Arel Denizcilik Ticaret, also based in the city.