It was a long and nervous night for the boatmen of Kalkan.

Many of them were out all night, keeping a vigil by the harbour, and doing their best to secure their boats from the stormy seas.

In this report KTLN brings you some extraordinary photos of the power of the sea, and we talk to a number of boat captains.

Photographs
In this news article we bring you 17 photos.  If you are a registered member of KTLN, you can see many more photos, including an extraordinary sequence showing the sea crashing over the breakwater, on to one of the boats in the harbour. 

In the main menu, click on Photo Gallery, then select the album Kalkan Storms Winter 2010.  Once you have selected the first photo, you can watch a slide show, (probably the best way to view the sequence of photos).  If you choose to view photos one at a time, you can view larger, full size images.

[Editor: Sorry - it has been pointed out I have labelled the photos in our gallery as 18th December instead of 17th!  I was tired!]

Stormy forecast
The Turkish meteorological department had forecast rain and gusting winds, which really kicked in on Thursday night.  The storm heightened in intensity overnight, and was still causing major problems down on the coast, this morning, (Friday).

Whilst the winds were not particularly strong this morning, the swell of the sea was exceptionally high, and wave after wave pounded the breakwater, and also surged into the harbour entrance, causing the boats to move around dangerously.  Despite the fenders hanging over the sides of the boats, we saw boats hitting each other - wood on wood.

One boat owner told us that anchors are pretty ineffective in these conditions, and it is essential to secure them with additional ropes.  As waves surged back and forth, these ropes could be heard straining under the tension.  If a rope were to snap under these conditions, the consequences for anyone stood nearby could be serious.

Watching over the boats
We spotted a number of familiar faces, watching and waiting, and hoping that the storm would peter out.  Ali Eğriboyun, owner of the Anil boat, had been up most of the night, as had Osman and Adem Yıldız, owners of Yıldız 1 & 2. 

A few boat owners felt they needed to be on their boats, including captain Abdi on Pinar X.  Getting on and off was something of a challenge, as you can see in one of the photos below.

We are not aware of any casualties, resulting from the storm.

Still in the water
Normally, at this time of year, most of the boats would be out of the water, and safe from stormy seas.  However, due to improvements being carried out along the quayside, the crane has not been able to come. 

Some of the boat owners we spoke to were unhappy that the boats were still in the water.  One had considered sailing his boat to another port, so it could be put on dry land, but was persuaded to stay put.

Storms like this are obviously very worrying, as these boats are the livelihood of many people.  A seriously damaged boat could be out of service for the whole season.

We understand that Belediye workmen are to clear a way so that the crane can finally come on Monday 20th December, and move the boats to safety.

Kalkan Town Beach
Frankly, there is not much left of the beach, that is recognisable from this summer. 

A significant amount of sand and stones can be found behind the beach by the Pinar Büfe cafe and the children's playground.

There is going to be a lot of work required over the winter, to restore the area behind the beach in time for the new season.

Sandy rain from Africa
For the rest of us, some way from the harbour and beach, the problems are relatively minor.  We suspect that a few properties will have suffered water ingress, due to the driving rain overnight. 

On this occasion, the rain and wind came in from the sea, and the amount of red sand that has been deposited would indicate it has come all the way across the Mediterranean, from Africa.

The KTLN pool, which was a sparkling blue, has turned a reddish brown colour.  (The only way to deal with it is to apply flocculant).  And the terrace is not looking its best either.

Here is a selection of 17 photos from the 114 we have published in our Photo Gallery today.

Below: Kalkan Bay turns reddish brown.

Below: View of Yalı beach club and Caretta Caretta from Kızıltaş.

Below: A massive wave crashes over the harbour breakwater.

Below: And another one in the same place, causing a boat to rock wildly.

Below: A few moments later, and the breakwater is overwhelmed.

Below: Boats are kept a few metres away from the wall to prevent damage.

Below: Boat owners check their vessels.

Belwo: One man just about makes it as he jumps ashore.

Below: Checking that a fellow boatman is OK on board his boat.

Below: In the same spot again, the waves come over the breakwater.

Below: The Kleo Bar covered in stones and sand, hurled up by the waves.

Below: The steps from the beach to the Kleo Bar, under water.

Below: Someone in a red cagoul taking a chance, so close to the waves crashing on to the beach.

Below: Waves engulf the Pinar Büfe cafe.

Below: And a few moments later, waves crash into the children's playground.  It's time to leave!

Below: A powerful wave surges through the harbour entrance towards the tethered boats.

Below: The slipway into the harbour, as you have probably never seen it before.