Passenger ferry crashes into waterfront mansion in Istanbul’s Üsküdar

“Thank God, a thousand thanks… I suppose this is what they mean by ‘let it be material damage.’ We must have had a charity given that saved us,” Derin Mermerci said after a passenger ferry crashed into her waterfront mansion in Üsküdar, an Istanbul suburb on the Asian side of the Bosphorus, according to local news reports and 12punto.

Late-Night Collision on the Bosphorus Shoreline

A large passenger ferry lost control and careered straight toward the shore in Üsküdar.

CCTV footage captured the vessel approaching the coastline. It initially sent birds scattering in fear before its bow collided with a smaller boat moored directly in front of the glitzy residential property. The impact pinned the smaller watercraft against an outside terrace. It was then thrown backward as the ferry smashed through a metal fence and retaining wall. DHA news reported that both the mansion and the moored boat, which are thought to be owned by a businessman, sustained significant structural damage.

Divergent Reports Following the Impact

Accounts of the immediate aftermath diverged across media outlets.

Mirror.co.uk reported that occupants of the mansion and ferry personnel engaged in shouting matches following the chaos. Meanwhile, en.12punto.com.tr focused on the immediate panic of the residents rushing outside. That outlet highlighted specific remarks from homeowner Derin Mermerci regarding her gratitude that no one was physically hurt. Both outlets verified through security camera footage and social media videos that no injuries were sustained during the crash, despite the heavy destruction left in the wake of the vessel.

Assessing the Waterfront Devastation

Footage from the aftermath shows a severe trail of destruction across the terrace and interior grounds of the property. Fences were flattened, outdoor furniture was smashed, and garden plants were completely ripped apart.

As the ferry slowly slid backward out of the terrace and returned to the water, passengers onboard could be seen rushing to the bow with their hands on their heads in disbelief.