A 39-year-old Saudi tourist has died after drowning in a fast-flowing waterway in Uzungol, in Türkiye’s northern Trabzon province, while his brother was hospitalized after attempting to rescue him.
According to preliminary information, Abdulaziz Al-Harbi slipped while standing near the edge of the waterway and was quickly swept away by the strong current.
Videos circulated online reportedly showed Al-Harbi attempting to hold onto a tree branch to resist the current before losing his grip and disappearing into the rushing water.
Rescue Attempts Unsuccessful
People at the scene attempted to rescue the Saudi tourist, while his brother also tried to reach him.
Turkish authorities dispatched teams from the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority, AFAD, along with emergency medical crews.
Rescue teams later recovered Al-Harbi’s body.
His brother was taken to hospital after suffering severe exhaustion and a drop in body temperature during the rescue attempt. His condition later stabilized.
Saudi Embassy Following the Case
The Saudi Embassy in Türkiye confirmed the citizen’s death and said it had been following the case since receiving notification of the incident.
The embassy is coordinating with Turkish authorities to complete the necessary procedures and provide assistance and support to the victim’s family.
Uzungol, located in Türkiye’s Black Sea region, is one of Trabzon’s best-known tourist destinations and attracts large numbers of Gulf visitors during the summer season.
