# Severe weather and sea safety issues in Turkey

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/severe-weather-and-sea-safety-issues-in-turkey
> Updated: 2026-08-09T12:17:20.000Z. Sources: 23. Developments: 2.

As severe weather and heavy waves persisted through August 9, 2026, the number of fatalities across Turkey continued to rise. In Zonguldak, 34-year-old Hakan Ergin, a former football player and referee, died after being swept away at Uzunkum Beach despite existing prohibitions.

In Samsun’s Atakum district, a 42-year-old man, Hasan Voyvat, died while attempting to rescue his 17-year-old nephew, Emir Ulaş Usta, both of whom succumbed to the water. In Hatay’s Samandağ district, 13-year-old Mehmet Ali Himyen drowned at Çevlik Beach due to heavy waves. Additional deaths were reported in Kocaeli at Kumcağız and Sarısu beaches, and in Şanlıurfa, where a 6-year-old child and a 33-year-old man died in the Euphrates River.

Parallel to the weather-related safety issues, a separate swimming ban was implemented at the Ambarlı coast in Istanbul’s Avcılar district due to water pollution. The Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change determined that the İSKİ Ambarlı wastewater treatment plant had been discharging untreated urban wastewater into the sea. Consequently, an administrative fine of 3,343,688 TL was issued against İSKİ.

## Claims

- Sea water samples from Ambarlı coast in Avcılar showed non-compliance with health standards. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The Ministry found that İSKİ was discharging urban wastewater into the sea without treatment. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- İSKİ was issued an administrative fine of 3,343,688 TL for environmental violations. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Swimming has been banned in certain sections of the Ambarlı coast to protect public health. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-09: Turkey experiences multiple drownings and water pollution bans

Multiple drowning incidents across Turkey resulted in at least eight deaths amid heavy waves and weather warnings. Meanwhile, Istanbul's Ambarlı coast faces a swimming ban due to wastewater pollution.

20 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-coastal-regions-see-multiple-rescues-and-one-death-amid-heavy-waves

### 2026-08-01: Istanbul imposes two‑day sea ban in Beykoz, Arnavutköy and Şile due to high waves

Istanbul's Beykoz, Arnavutköy and Şile districts banned swimming on Aug 1‑2, 2026 because high waves made sea conditions unsafe; authorities warned the public to obey the temporary restriction.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/istanbul-imposes-twoday-sea-ban-in-beykoz-arnavutky-and-ile-due-to-high-waves

---
Cite as: Severe weather and sea safety issues in Turkey. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/severe-weather-and-sea-safety-issues-in-turkey