Dangerous weather conditions and heavy swells turned the vacation of dozens of tourists in the Turkish resort of Kuşadası into a true nightmare. Powerful currents and high waves led to a series of incidents at sea, in which four people lost their lives.
According to the circulated information, in just one day, 20 people were at risk of drowning, and four of them could not be saved.
From the early hours of the day, a strong wind with a speed of about 23 km/h blew in the area, which caused dangerous currents and high waves. Most incidents were recorded at "Sevgi" beach, where within about an hour, 20 people found themselves in trouble in the water.
Following numerous distress calls, emergency teams, the coast guard, and the police were dispatched to the scene. Thanks to the coordinated actions of the rescue services and the intervention of citizens, 16 people were pulled alive to the shore.
Among the victims is 54-year-old teacher Ilkay Ümit Özcan, who had arrived on vacation in Kuşadası from Istanbul. He was pulled from the sea but later died in the hospital.
Another deceased is 79-year-old Dursun Marmara. He was pulled from the stormy sea with the help of citizens, and medics began chest compressions right on the beach. Despite their efforts, the man passed away at a medical facility.
According to the authorities, two more people died in separate incidents in different parts of Kuşadası, bringing the total number of victims to four.
Due to the dangerous weather and heavy swells, local authorities have introduced a ban on entering the sea in a number of cities and municipalities along the Turkish coast. Among them is Ordu province, where the measure is in effect due to high waves and dangerous rip currents.
In Zonguldak, a temporary swimming ban has also been imposed to protect the lives and health of citizens. The same restrictions have been introduced in the Saray district of Tekirdağ province and Kandıra in Kocaeli province.
Swimming restrictions have also been introduced in three districts of Istanbul – Beykoz, Sarıyer, and Arnavutköy. As part of the measures, the "Kısırkaya" public beach in the Sarıyer district has also been closed.
Local administrations have issued an appeal to citizens and tourists to strictly follow the introduced bans and not to enter the sea until the dangerous weather conditions and heavy swells pass.