Turkish Search and Rescue

Created by doina. Last modified on 2006-03-21 22:52:12
Countries: Turkey

Can you please tell me where I can find a listing of the Turkish Search and Rescue facilities with contact information?

After the devastating earthquake in 1998 a number of serach and rescue organizations have been set up in Turkey. Most of them are, however, mainly oriented towards land operations and natural disasters than to respond to individual calls.

The only organization which is standing by 24/7 in order to rescue those in peril at sea is the Turkish Coastguard. Their cutters and helicopters are well dispersed along the coast and are in strategic locations. They will move in to rescue life and also dive, investigate leaks and contribute to get damage under control. However, the towing of the vessel to a safe haven is usually left to a suitable commercial vessel.

The Turkish Coastguard can be reached on VHF Channel 16 also over landlines and mobiles logged into any Turkish GSM network by dialing 158. If you cannot reach a Turkish network you can dial internationally +90 (312) 417 5050 or 417 5052. This is the rescue coordination centre in Ankara.

Thanks to Yusuf Civelekoglu of yachtWORKS, Bodrum, for this information.