Tourist deaths in Turkey trigger safety warnings

UK holidaymakers cautioned on watersports or excursions in Turkey after a spate of deaths.

Travel Insurance News - 30/08/2010

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UK holidaymakers are being warned to be careful about booking water sports activities or excursions in Turkey. The caution comes after a recent spate of deaths among tourists in the country. Law firm Irwin Mitchell say it has seen a major increase in the number of clients seeking its services after family members or friends were involved in deadly accidents in Turkey. The company says Britons can expect major delays and substantially lower compensation if they have to claim via Turkish courts.

Linda Hudson, who is 51 and from Essex, is one of the Britons pursuing legal action. Her husband, Glenn, was killed while parasailing with his daughter in Turkey on 24 July. Other litigants include two survivors of a ballooning accident that caused the death last May of leading space researcher Dr Kevin Beurle, and two holidaymakers involved in fatal automobile accidents. Several other British holidaymakers have recently died in accidents in Turkey.

A spokesperson for the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office advised those travelling to Turkey to ensure they had comprehensive insurance. European Health Insurance Cards (which provide access to medical treatment in member states of the EU) are not valid in Turkey.

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