A passenger boat caught fire off the southwestern Turkish coastal town of Fethiye on Thursday morning, forcing all 115 passengers, including children, to jump into the sea wearing life jackets before they were rescued by coast guard and fire brigade crews, Turkish media reported.
No casualties have been reported. However, two people were taken to hospital for treatment after being affected by smoke from the fire, while children aboard the boat underwent precautionary medical examinations, according to Anadolu Agency.
The fire reportedly broke out in the boat’s kitchen area before quickly spreading throughout the vessel, which was severely damaged.
An operation to tow the boat ashore has begun, while authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the fire and its cause. [AMNA]
