Body of Saudi boy found after 6-day search in Turkish river

Dubai: The body of nine-year-old Saudi boy Faisal Ramzi Al Sheikh, who was swept away by the Haldizen River in the Uzungöl region of Trabzon, has been found following a six-day intensive search operation.

The heartbreaking incident occurred while Faisal was on holiday with his family.

According to reports, he had approached a rock at the riverbank to drink water when his hand slipped from his father’s grasp.

In a matter of seconds, he fell into the fast-flowing river and was swept away by the powerful current, vanishing from sight.

His father immediately tried to rescue him but was also caught in the rushing waters. Carried several metres downstream, he was eventually pushed toward a cluster of rocks, where he managed to cling on and climb to safety — his survival nothing short of miraculous.

In response to the tragedy, Turkish emergency services launched a large-scale search effort involving nearly 200 personnel. The operation included teams from the Turkish civil defence, specialised diving units, and drone operators, who worked tirelessly to comb the river and the surrounding rugged terrain.

The search was personally overseen by the Governor of Trabzon, who followed developments closely on the ground despite the treacherous conditions posed by the river’s strong currents and mountainous environment.

The Saudi Embassy in Ankara confirmed in a statement that it had maintained close and continuous coordination with Turkish authorities since the beginning of the incident. It also extended full support to the grieving family throughout the ordeal.