Modern Turkey founder Ataturk’s yacht seized over vice ring allegations

LONDON - The Turkish Government has seized a state yacht that was once used by Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey, following media reports that a vice ring had used the vessel to throw sex parties with prostitutes.

Turkey bought the Savarona in 1938, and Ataturk spent a few weeks aboard the yacht, but died later that year.

Eight women and two underage girls, all of whom were believed to be prostitutes, were taken for health checks after authorities in the Mediterranean city of Antalya confiscated the 136-metre Savarona, state-run Anatolian news agency reported.

The Telegraph reports that all eight people, including two women, remain in custody.

Turkish Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek said that he had given the necessary instructions for the cancellation of the ship’s lease, and warned the owners that if this was not done, the case would go to court. (ANI)