Four dead after strong winds cause drowning deaths in Kuşadası, Turkey

Strong winds reaching about 23 km/h and resulting high waves created dangerous sea conditions on Kuşadası’s coast in Aydın Province, Turkey. Over the course of a single day, roughly 20 beachgoers faced drowning risk, especially at Sevgi Beach, where the situation peaked within an hour.

Coordinated rescue efforts by health services, coast guard and police saved 16 people, but four individuals died. Among the victims were 54‑year‑old teacher İlkay Ümit Özcan, who was taken to Söke Fehime Kocagöz State Hospital after being pulled from the water, and 79‑year‑old Dursun Marmara, who received on‑site cardiac resuscitation but could not be revived at Kuşadası State Hospital.