Eight Dead After Ferry Capsizes off Northern Cyprus
At least eight people died after a catamaran-style ferry carrying nearly 270 passengers and crew capsized off the northern coast of Cyprus on Sunday, according to Turkish media and regional officials.
Northern Cyprus Prime Minister Unal Ustel said 237 people had been rescued, while search teams continued looking for those still missing. The ferry encountered adverse weather shortly after leaving the port of Kyrenia, also known as Girne, and began taking on water about 15 minutes into its journey. Officials said a distress call was issued soon afterward.
The vessel was travelling from Kyrenia, in the Turkish-controlled north of the divided island, to Tasucu in Turkey’s Mersin province. Turkish broadcaster TRT reported that the ferry began taking on water approximately 7.5 kilometres from shore. Kyrenia Mayor Murat Senkul said the vessel, operated by Filo Denizcilik, sank near Diana Beach.
Video from the area showed passengers wearing life jackets in the sea around the overturned ferry. Rescue boats transported survivors to shore, and some were later seen arriving by bus at the port of Kyrenia.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan offered condolences to the victims’ families and said Turkey was coordinating with Northern Cyprus on search-and-rescue operations. Speaking in Ankara, Erdogan expressed hope that more survivors would be found.
The internationally recognized government of Cyprus also offered assistance. Government spokesperson Constantinos Letymbiotis said authorities were prepared to support rescue efforts with all available resources. He extended condolences to those affected and emphasized that protecting human life remained the priority.
The disaster prompted a continuing multinational response as officials worked to confirm the number of missing, assist survivors and determine the circumstances that caused the ferry to capsize so soon after departure. Investigators will examine the vessel’s condition, weather conditions, emergency procedures and the timeline of the crew’s response to the flooding.