In a heartbreaking turn of events, a family's vacation to Alanya, Turkey, turned into a nightmare after the tragic death of Peter Colville during a "pirate ship" boat trip. The family, including his children and grandchildren, are now grappling with grief and seeking answers regarding the circumstances surrounding his death and the alleged insensitive response of the boat's crew.
Peter Colville, a beloved father and grandfather, embarked on the trip with ten family members, envisioning a joyful experience filled with entertainment and relaxation. The boat trip, advertised as a "pirate ship" adventure, promised a day of music, dancing, snorkeling, and a foam party, creating an atmosphere of lighthearted fun for all ages. However, the dream vacation quickly dissolved into tragedy.
The "Legend Big Kral," the vessel chosen for the excursion, reportedly held around 600 passengers, adding to the lively ambiance of the party boat. The trip started with excitement, as the boat sailed towards Cleopatra Beach, a popular swimming destination known for its crystal-clear waters. But the idyllic scenery soon became the backdrop for an unimaginable tragedy.
During the second swim stop at Cleopatra Beach, Peter Colville went missing in the water. Panic ensued as family members and fellow passengers desperately searched for him. Moments later, swimmers discovered Peter unconscious, floating face-up in the sea. They quickly pulled him back onto the deck, hoping to revive him.
As the situation grew increasingly dire, guests onboard began administering CPR in an attempt to resuscitate Peter. However, according to Peter's daughter, Nakita Colville, the boat's staff appeared "unbothered and clueless," standing by as bystanders while passengers frantically tried to save her father's life. This alleged lack of assistance from the crew has added to the family's distress and fueled their search for answers.
Adding to the family's trauma, a barman reportedly pronounced Peter dead before any medical professionals had assessed the situation. Afterward, the staff allegedly covered his body with a towel, seemingly attempting to conceal the tragedy from the other passengers. This action, perceived as disrespectful and dismissive, has deeply offended the family and raised questions about the boat operator's protocols in emergency situations.
Following the incident, the coastguard arrived, and Peter was rushed to a hospital, where he was officially pronounced dead. The family's grief was compounded by the alleged actions of the boat crew, who, according to Nakita, continued the party onboard after the family was taken off the boat. The crew reportedly hosted a foam party for the remaining passengers, seemingly disregarding the profound loss and emotional distress experienced by the Colville family.
Nakita Colville vividly described the horrifying scene, recounting the moment her brother-in-law realized her father was missing. The frantic search, the discovery of her father in the water, and the desperate attempts to revive him are images that will forever be etched in her memory. She expressed disbelief and anguish at the crew's apparent indifference, stating that they "just stood there with their arms crossed" while guests performed CPR.
The family's nightmare continued as they were taken off the boat, only to learn that the crew had apologized to the remaining guests for the delay in the foam party. This alleged insensitivity further fueled the family's anger and grief, leading them to question the boat operator's priorities and lack of empathy.
Nakita emphasized the profound loss of her father, describing him as the "loveliest dad and granddad" who deserved to be treated with respect. While the family acknowledges that they cannot definitively attribute Peter's death to the company's negligence, they believe that the situation could have been handled with more care and professionalism, potentially increasing his chances of survival.
The Colville family's trip to Alanya began on July 20, with the tragic incident occurring on July 27. In the midst of the chaos and despair, Peter's wife, Rosalind Colville, collapsed from shock, highlighting the profound emotional impact of the tragedy on the entire family.
Nakita recounted the agonizing moments of holding her father's hand, screaming in disbelief and grief. She expressed confusion and disbelief regarding the cause of her father's death, stating that he appeared healthy and would not have entered the water if he had felt unwell. The family is now left grappling with unanswered questions and seeking closure in the wake of this devastating loss.
Nakita estimated that the boat carried more than 600 guests, raising concerns about safety regulations and emergency preparedness. According to UK Maritime and Coastguard guidance, all ships should undertake a risk assessment, and vessels carrying over 100 people should carry a defibrillator. It remains unclear whether the "Legend Big Kral" adhered to these guidelines.
News of Peter's death was relayed by phone to his four brothers and their families, spreading the grief and shock across continents. The family is now united in their mourning and their determination to uncover the truth surrounding his death.
The family is struggling to come to terms with the sudden and unexpected loss of Peter, a man described as the "best dad and granddad." The pain is compounded by the feeling that he was not treated with the dignity and respect he deserved in his final moments.
Post-mortem examinations conducted in both Turkey and the UK have so far failed to determine the cause of death, leaving the family with lingering questions and a desire for answers. Investigations are ongoing, and the family hopes that they will shed light on the circumstances surrounding Peter's tragic demise.
Other passengers who witnessed the events have also expressed concerns about the crew's handling of the situation. One witness described the lack of proper procedures, the absence of immediate CPR, and the crew member's casual declaration of Peter's death. Another criticized the crew's decision to continue playing loud music and selling photos after the incident.
These accounts paint a picture of a chaotic and disorganized response to a life-threatening emergency, raising serious questions about the training and preparedness of the boat's crew. Witnesses described the crew as "unsafe, unprofessional, and neither trained nor emotionally capable of handling emergencies or tragedies."
Nakita expressed the surreal feeling of expecting her father to walk back through the door, despite knowing that he is gone. She emphasized that he deserved better than what he experienced on that boat, highlighting the family's profound sense of injustice and loss.
Big Kral Pirate Boats has not yet responded to requests for comment, leaving the Colville family and the public awaiting an explanation and reassurance that steps will be taken to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The Colville family is now preparing for Peter Colville's funeral, a somber occasion that will bring together loved ones to mourn his loss and celebrate his life. As they navigate this difficult time, they remain committed to seeking answers and ensuring that Peter's death is not in vain.
The tragic death of Peter Colville serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety regulations, emergency preparedness, and compassionate care in the tourism industry. It is a call for accountability and a plea for greater attention to the well-being of all travelers.