The European Union (EU) - Türkiye joint initiative behind the boat named “Yaşam” (“Life” in Turkish) brought Doğan Holding Board Member Vuslat Doğan Sabancı and her husband EsasHolding Chairman Ali Sabancı to Bodrum for treatment after their accident on the Greek island of Leros in August 2023.

“Yaşam” is the sea ambulance that rushes to help anyone who had an accident at sea. The project was implemented in 2017 by the Bodrum Sea Rescue Association with the funding from the EU through its Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations.

Mario Attila Suyolcu, President of the Marine Rescue Association, says that this is the first sea ambulance owned by a non-governmental organisation in Türkiye and recognised by the Coast Guard Command. "That's why it is precious. Since 2017, we have rescued many local and foreign people. We have worked not only in accidents at sea but also in earthquakes; after the Kos earthquake in 2017, we brought the wounded to Bodrum."

The Head of the EU Delegation to Türkiye, Ambassador Nikolaus Meyer-Landrut, expresses his satisfaction with the EU's support for such a vital project: "Once again, we have seen that cooperation at sea saves lives. I wish that this cooperation will continue growing."

It will save lives in the Aegean for years

The boat, which is in the inventory of the Marine Rescue Association, operates in coordination with the Coast Guard Command and is in contact with the Muğla 112 Emergency Call Centre.  Bodrum Milta Marina undertakes the infrastructure support of the boat within the scope of a social responsibility project. The well-equipped boat and its team are ready for action within 12 minutes of the emergency call. It can provide 24-hour service depending on sea and weather conditions.

Devrig Velly, head of the EU Humanitarian Aid office in Türkiye reflected, “The sea ambulance can only be considered a small contribution to the extraordinary work already being carried out very well."

Custom-made ambulance

The 12-metre-long boat can reach a speed of 38 knots per hour. “Yaşam” has the ability to navigate safely in rough seas and to intervene to help two seriously injured people. The procedures of "Yaşam", which was specially built in Finland for €404,000,were completed according to the legislation of the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Health. The boat's medical equipment was provided by 22 institutions and companies, in particular the Muğla Governorship.

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