A pirate-themed party boat carrying nearly 150 people, including British tourists and 20 children, sank off the coast of Turkey on Friday, May 29. The vessel, named 'Big Boss Diamond', went down near Paradise Island in the Mediterranean, prompting a rescue operation that brought all passengers safely to shore.
Footage shared on social media showed people jumping from the sinking ship and others clinging to the vessel as it took on water in Akvaryum Bay. The boat sank completely within one hour, leaving its masts and rigging protruding from the water. Rescue teams, aided by nearby boats, evacuated everyone onboard without casualties or injuries.
One British passenger told the Sun she was 'glad to be off it and alive'. The Muğla Governorship confirmed in a statement that no casualties or health problems were reported, and all evacuated citizens were safely brought to shore.
The 'Big Boss Diamond' is described by its owners as the biggest pirate ship in Turkey and a 'family party boat'. It takes holidaymakers around 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.
Social media posts from earlier on Friday showed revellers crammed onto the ship's deck in swimwear, dancing and waving flags, unaware of the impending disaster. The boat operator later thanked guests for their concern, stating that everyone was safe and that trips would continue with another vessel, the 'Big Boss Yagna'.
