Court arrests British citizen over marina fire in Turkey’s Marmaris

MUĞLA

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A local court in the Aegean province of Muğla on April 11 ordered the arrest of a British citizen over a deadly marina fire in southern resort district of Marmaris, state-run Anadolu Agency has reported.

One man, identified as Ekrem Gökçe, was killed and another, identified as Türker Demir, was injured after a fire broke out in a marina run by the Marmaris Municipality on April 10. 

Three yachts, named “White Layd,” “Cartano” and “Passion,” were completely burned after the fire engulfed the marina, while one yacht was severely damaged. The fire also damaged a nearby motor yacht and a sailing boat.

Police detained two British citizens, identified as 34-year-old Billy C. and his girlfriend 24-year-old Rosie P.G. on suspicion of starting the fire. They were referred to court after giving their testimonies to police.

The court on April 11 ordered the arrest of Billy C. on charges of “causing reckless homicide,” while his girlfriend was released on probation.

Billy C. reportedly said in his testimony that he was intoxicated and stepped into a yacht to rest with his girlfriend, after which they had an argument. He also reportedly said he did not remember how the yacht was burnt.

It took fire crews three hours to extinguish the fire, while an investigation was launched to determine the cause of the fire on suspicion of an arson attack.