Three dead, one missing after family swept out to sea in Mersin

A tragic incident unfolded on the coast of Mersin's Tarsus district, where five members of the same family were swept out to sea by strong waves. Three individuals, identified as Savaş Öztürk (42), his wife Zehra Öztürk (39), and her sister Ceylan Dağşan (30), lost their lives. The couple's 16-year-old daughter, Fatma Öztürk, was rescued and is receiving hospital treatment, with her condition reportedly improving.

The incident occurred around 6 p.m. when the family entered the sea to cool off. Two other individuals attempted to rescue the struggling family members but narrowly escaped drowning themselves, managing to return to shore unaided. The search for the missing 16-year-old nephew, Halil Öztürk, is ongoing, involving four boats and four divers from various rescue agencies including the Coast Guard, AFAD, and police.

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Unfortunately, the mother, father, and the mother's sister from the 5-person family lost their lives in the sea. The hospital treatment of the daughter rescued from the sea continues. We have received information that her health condition is improving.

Mersin Governor Atilla Toros visited the scene to receive updates on the rescue operations. He confirmed the recovery of three bodies and provided details on the ongoing search for the missing teenager. The governor noted the extensive resources deployed, including Coast Guard, AFAD, and police boats, along with divers, to cover both underwater and surface areas. Security, gendarmerie, AFAD, fire department, and health teams are also involved in the search along the coastline.

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The search for the missing Halil Öztürk is continuing with a total of 4 boats and 4 divers, including 2 Coast Guard, 1 AFAD, and 1 police boat.