A pirate-themed party boat carrying nearly 150 people, including British tourists, has sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Turkey. The vessel, named Big Boss Diamond, went down near Paradise Island on Friday, May 29, with 148 passengers and crew on board, among them 20 children.
Dramatic Rescue Operation
Footage shared on social media captured the terrifying moments as passengers jumped from the sinking ship or clung to its structure. The boat began taking on water in Akvaryum Bay and sank completely within an hour, leaving only its masts and rigging visible above the pristine blue water.
Rescue teams rushed to the scene and, with the assistance of nearby boats, evacuated everyone safely to shore. A statement from the Muğla Governorship confirmed: "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."
Passenger Accounts
One British passenger who was on board told The Sun she was "glad to be off it and alive." The boat operator posted on Instagram: "Dear guests and friends, thank you very much for asking and worrying about us. We are all safe and fine. Will fixed up Big Boss Diamond we will carry on our boat trips with Big Boss Yagna."
The Vessel
Described by its owners as the biggest pirate ship in Turkey, the Big Boss Diamond was marketed as a "family party boat." It took holidaymakers around several Turkish islands, offering unlimited beer, cocktails, vodka, and wine for a fee of £35. The cause of the sinking remains unclear, though some passengers claimed the engine caught fire.
