Cyprus Ferry Tragedy: At Least 8 Dead, 23 Missing After Catamaran Capsizes
Cyprus Ferry Tragedy: At Least 8 Dead, 23 Missing After Catamaran Capsizes
A devastating ferry capsizing off Northern Cyprus has left at least 8 dead and 23 missing. Rescue teams are frantically searching for survivors after the worst maritime disaster in decades. Follow for updates.
A horrific maritime tragedy unfolded off the coast of Turkish-occupied northern Cyprus after a ferry carrying nearly 270 passengers and crew capsized. Authorities have confirmed that at least eight people have died, and a frantic search is underway for 23 individuals who remain unaccounted for.
The catamaran-style ferry, which was traveling from the port of Kyrenia (Girne) in northern Cyprus to Taşucu in Turkey's Mersin province, sank completely to a depth of 514 metres. Northern Cyprus Prime Minister Ünal Üstel reported that 237 people have been rescued, but rescue efforts continue for those still missing.
Tufan Erhürman, the Turkish Cypriot leader, emphasized the intensity of the search operations, noting the difficulty of reaching anyone still trapped within the submerged vessel.
Erhan Arıklı, the territory's transport minister, confirmed the ferry's complete submersion.
The disaster has been described by Mehmet Harmancı, the mayor of Turkish-held northern Nicosia, as the worst in over 40 years for the region, which declared independence decades ago.
Harmancı expressed the severity of the situation, stating, "We've not seen anything like this before.
It's by far the worst tragedy.
There are 23 people still missing. We think most of the passengers were Turks and Turkish Cypriots." Kyrenia, the departure point for the ill-fated vessel, is a popular holiday destination. This private ferry was one of several daily shuttle services connecting northern Cyprus with Turkey, making this incident a significant blow to the region's transport and tourism.
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