Shippingtelegraph: Turkey pleasure craft erupts in flames off Fethiye, 115 people evacuated

Published by shippingtelegraph

THIS is the moment a pleasure craft carrying 115 people erupted into flames near Fethiye on Thursday, sparking a mass evacuation.

Eleven passengers affected by the smoke were taken to the hospital by ambulance, but their condition is not reported to be serious, the Turkish General Directorate of Maritime Affairs wrote on X.

Turkey’s Directorate General of Coastal Safety (KEGM) reported that KIYEM-5 and KEGM-15 search and rescue boats promptly intervened and extinguished the fire on the craft.

The fire was extinguished by search and rescue teams, and cooling operations have been completed, said Turkish authorities.

A total of 115 people, including passengers and 4 crew members, were evacuated to the shore. Images released by the Turkish authorities showed heavy smoke erupted from the craft.

At the time of the incident a team of experts assigned to the scene. “Additional measures will be taken promptly if deemed necessary following investigations,” the authorities said.

The General Directorate of Maritime Affairs announced that an investigation has been launched as part of the inquiry into the cause of the incident and that the Fethiye Port Authority is monitoring the situation.

In an update, the authorities said all individuals hospitalized due to smoke inhalation have been discharged.

Currently, measures are being taken to prevent potential environmental pollution.