A pirate-themed boat carrying close to 150 people, including British tourists, has sunk in the Mediterranean.
The boat, “Big Boss Diamond”, sank near Paradise Island on the Mediterranean coast on Friday, May 29. It is understood that 148 people were on board when the incident took place.
Footage captured and shared on social media showed people jumping from the sinking ship, while other clung to the vessel. Among those on board were 20 children.
The boat began taking on water in Akvaryum Bay and had sunk completely within one hour.
The footage shows the boat’s masts and rigging sticking out of the pristine blue water.
View 3 ImagesThe footage shows the boat’s masts and rigging sticking out of the pristine blue water(Image: Facebook)
Rescue teams raced to help those on board and everyone was safely brought to shore.
One Brit who was onboard when the boat sank said she was “glad to be off it and alive”, the Sun reported.
A statement from the Muğla Governorship said: “Following the report, teams dispatched to the area coordinated the evacuation of our citizens on the boat, with the support of nearby boats.”
“Checks revealed no casualties, injuries, or health problems. The evacuated citizens were safely brought to shore.”
The boat is described by its owners as the biggest pirate ship in Turkey. It is also described as a “family party boat”.
The boat takes holidaymakers around several Turkish islands and provides unlimited beer, cocktails, vodka and wine for a fee of £35.
View 3 ImagesBig Boss Diamond(Image: Facebook)
The boat operator wrote on their Instagram story: “Dear guests and friends, thank you very much for asking and worrying about us.”
“We are all safe and fine.”
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“Will fixed up Big Boss Diamond we will carry on our boat trips with Big Boss Yagna.”
It is unclear what caused the boat to sink, but some passengers claimed its engine caught alight.