At least seven people died and 23 remain missing after a privately operated catamaran-style passenger ferry capsized and completely sunk off the coast of Northern Cyprus on Sunday, August 30, 2026, according to local officials and state media reports. The vessel, carrying 267 people including crew, was traveling from Kyrenia to Tasucu in Turkey when it was struck by large waves shortly after leaving port.
Search and Rescue Operations Off Kyrenia
According to Northern Cyprus Prime Minister Unal Ustel, 237 people have been rescued following the maritime disaster near the port of Kyrenia, also known as Girne. Rescue teams deployed four Turkish Cypriot coast guard vessels, a civilian passenger boat, five Turkish coast guard units, and two helicopters to the scene, backed by six Turkish naval units assigned to the effort. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that his country had mobilized all its resources to aid the rescue operation.
Maritime Investigation and Crew Detainment
The ship’s captain and seven crew members have been taken into custody by police following the incident, as announced by Prime Minister Unal Ustel, who called the event the worst maritime disaster Cyprus has experienced. Transport Minister Erhan Arikli told Turkish television network TRT that 161 of the survivors were hospitalized and 76 were reunited with their families. Local officials confirmed the catamaran sank to a depth of 514 meters after taking on water.
Weather Conditions and Eyewitness Accounts
While regional weather had featured fierce storms on Saturday, Sunday’s conditions were described as sunny when the vessel departed. According to Prime Minister Unal Ustel, the ferry was hit by two large waves after a delayed departure prompted by weather conditions. One rescued passenger told local media that he heard a loud explosion from the bow before the vessel rolled over, windows blew out, and the ship began taking on water.
Did you know?
The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) occupies less than a third of the Mediterranean island and is recognized exclusively by Turkey, which maintains close economic and transit ties with the territory.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people were on board the ferry?
According to Northern Cyprus Prime Minister Unal Ustel, the ferry was carrying a total of 267 people, including passengers and crew.
Where was the ferry heading?
The catamaran-style passenger ferry was bound for Tasucu in Turkey’s Mersin province after departing from the port of Kyrenia.
What caused the ferry to capsize?
Transport officials and leaders reported that the vessel encountered large waves shortly after leaving port, began taking on water, and subsequently rolled over and sank.
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