The body of a 9-year-old Saudi boy who went missing three days ago after being swept away by strong currents in the Haldizen River has been recovered, Turkish officials confirmed Thursday.
The child, identified as Faisal, was visiting the Uzungöl region in Turkey’s northeastern Trabzon province with his family when he reportedly fell into the river during an outing. Following the incident, a large-scale search and rescue operation was launched by local authorities, with support from multiple emergency response teams.
In a statement released by the Trabzon Governorate, officials confirmed that Faisal’s body was found 2.2 meters beneath the surface of the river. “Despite all efforts, the child could not be saved. His body was located and recovered after intensive operations,” the statement said.
The tragic discovery concludes a search that involved drones, divers, and specialized rescue units combing the area over the past three days. Local authorities, including gendarmerie forces, firefighters, and disaster relief personnel, coordinated efforts in what was described as a “comprehensive and urgent response.”
The Saudi Arabian Embassy in Turkey expressed its condolences to Faisal’s family in an official message and extended its appreciation to Turkish authorities for their swift and thorough efforts.
“The Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Ankara conveys its deepest sympathies to the family of the child,” read a statement shared by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). “Since the moment the incident was reported, the embassy has been in constant communication with Turkish authorities, who have spared no effort in conducting extensive searches across the region.”
The embassy had earlier responded to social media reports regarding the boy’s disappearance, reassuring the public that it was closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with both the child’s family and Turkish officials.
Faisal’s death has cast a pall over Uzungöl, a popular tourist destination known for its picturesque lake and surrounding alpine scenery. Local officials have issued reminders urging visitors to exercise caution near waterways, especially as river levels remain high due to recent rainfall.
An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident is ongoing, though authorities have not indicated any signs of foul play. Arrangements are being made for the repatriation of Faisal’s body to Saudi Arabia.
