Murat Boz and Demet Özdemir rescued by boat after flood traps them in Istanbul studio

 Turkish singer Murat Boz and actress Demet Özdemir were rescued by boat after becoming trapped with dozens of other workers inside a flooded studio in Istanbul. The frightening incident happened on Wednesday, October 14, when heavy rain caused water levels to rise rapidly around Phoenix Studios in the Ayazağa district of Sarıyer.

According to Turkish media reports published on Thursday, October 15, more than 200 people were caught inside the studio complex as floodwater covered the surrounding roads and entered the building. The situation became increasingly dangerous after the electricity was cut off, leaving those inside waiting for emergency teams to reach them.

Murat Boz Calls for Emergency Help

Murat Boz raised the alarm on social media, sharing footage of the flooding during a live broadcast. The singer explained that he was trapped at Cendere Phoenix Studios alongside production teams and other employees.

He said the water outside had reached approximately two meters in some areas and showed how vehicles had been left surrounded by, or floating in, the floodwater. Boz estimated that between 200 and 250 people were waiting to be evacuated.

The singer also explained that the situation inside the building was becoming more difficult. Women working at the location had been moved to an upper-floor area, but he said the space could accommodate only around 30 to 35 people.

With internet access limited and the water continuing to rise, Boz appealed to AFAD, the municipality and Istanbul’s fire department for urgent assistance. He urged viewers to share his footage so that the emergency call would reach more people.

Demet Özdemir Also Asks for Help

Demet Özdemir, who was at the same studio, also turned to social media to alert the public. The actress warned that the water was rising inside the building and asked for immediate help.

Her message added to concerns about the people still trapped at the location. The heavy rainfall had left the surrounding roads severely flooded, making it difficult for emergency vehicles to reach the studio by land.

Turkish media reported that the rescue operation involved several emergency services, including AFAD, the National Medical Rescue Team (UMKE), Istanbul Fire Department, the Coast Guard, SAK and AKUT. Police divers and other rescue personnel also took part in efforts to evacuate those inside.

Both Stars Are Safely Evacuated by Boat

Because of the depth of the water and the strength of the current, rescue teams used boats to reach the stranded workers. Footage shared by the Turkish media showed people being helped out of the flooded area.

Boz later posted a video of the evacuation on social media with the message, “Tahliye ediliyoruz,” meaning “We are being evacuated.” Reports confirmed that he and Özdemir were among those taken to safety, alongside other employees who had been unable to leave the studio.

As the operation continued overnight, Boz thanked the teams working to rescue everyone. He also expressed gratitude to people who had called or sent messages to check on him, apologizing to those he could not answer while the emergency was unfolding.

The singer thanked the emergency personnel for their efforts and expressed condolences for people who lost their lives in the wider flooding across Istanbul.

Istanbul Hit by Severe Flooding

The incident at Phoenix Studios was part of a broader emergency caused by intense rainfall across Istanbul. Roads, businesses and homes were flooded, while vehicles became stranded and traffic was severely disrupted.

The Associated Press reported on October 15 that Istanbul authorities had confirmed at least three deaths linked to the flooding, with four people reported missing at the time of its report. Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi said more than 2,700 people stranded by floodwaters across the city had been evacuated.

Authorities also warned residents to avoid unnecessary travel as further rain was forecast. The scale of the flooding made the rescue at Phoenix Studios one of several emergency operations carried out across the city.

For Murat Boz, Demet Özdemir and the other workers, the immediate outcome was a safe evacuation after hours of uncertainty. Their appeals on social media helped draw attention to the situation as rescue teams worked to reach the flooded studio.