All passengers are evacuated safely
A passenger ferry transporting approximately 300 passengers was leaving İzmir’s Konak dock for Karşıyaka when it hit the lighthouse off of Konak Pier. All passengers were evacuated safely.
According to its route, the ferry was supposed to pass in front of the lighthouse but hit it on its starboard side. The reason for its change in route has not yet been determined.
After hitting the lighthouse, the ferry immediately began to take on water. Though difficult, Cpt. Abdurrahman Özdemir was able to return the ferry to Konak Pier. The 300 passengers were evacuated with no injuries and deaths resulting from the accident. Police arrived at the scene and kept passengers and passers-by away from the pier.
The ferry sank shortly thereafter. The alleged cause of the accident was the locking up of the rudder.
Experts said that major factors to consider in the 59-year-old ferry’s accident are its age and metal fatigue. Ferries in this condition should be scrapped and replaced with newer models, the experts emphasized.
Source: Sunday’s Zaman