Tourist boat catches fire in Turkey as 115 passengers jump into the sea to escape flames
A tourist boat carrying more than 100 people caught fire off the coast of Turkey, forcing passengers to abandon the vessel and jump into the sea. The dramatic incident happened near the popular resort city of Fethiye, where rescue teams rushed to save people from the water.
The boat was carrying approximately 115 passengers, including children, when a fire suddenly broke out on board. The flames spread quickly across the vessel, leaving passengers with little time to react. Many people were forced to jump overboard while waiting for help to arrive.
The incident occurred on Thursday, August 13, in Katranci Bay near Fethiye in Muğla Province, southwestern Turkey. According to preliminary information, the fire may have started in the kitchen area before rapidly spreading through the boat.
After the fire began, nearby vessels and Turkish Coast Guard crews immediately joined the rescue operation. Passengers who entered the water were pulled to safety and transported to shore, where emergency medical teams provided assistance.
Local reports stated that at least 11 people suffered from smoke inhalation and were taken to hospitals by ambulance. Authorities said there were no reports of deaths or passengers suffering life-threatening injuries.
The intense fire caused serious damage to the tourist boat. After the passengers were evacuated, the vessel reportedly began taking on water and later sank in the area.
Fethiye Governor Fatih Akkaya arrived at the scene and confirmed that everyone on board had been rescued. He praised the efforts of the coast guard personnel and crews from nearby boats that helped prevent a larger tragedy.
The Turkish Directorate General of Maritime Affairs has launched an investigation into the boat fire in Turkey. Experts are examining the vessel to determine the exact cause of the accident and whether safety regulations were followed.
The identities and nationalities of the passengers have not yet been officially released. The incident has raised new questions about maritime safety on tourist boats, especially during the busy summer season when thousands of visitors travel along Turkey’s coastline.
