Tragedy in Cyprus: 8 Dead, 18 Missing After Ferry Capsizes Near Kyrenia
Tragedy in Cyprus: 8 Dead, 18 Missing After Ferry Capsizes Near Kyrenia
A passenger ferry capsized off northern Cyprus, leaving at least 8 dead and 18 missing. A massive search and rescue operation is underway as authorities investigate the tragic incident near Kyrenia.
A passenger ferry capsized off the coast of northern Cyprus, leading to a tragic loss of life and a large-scale search and rescue operation. At least eight people have been confirmed dead, and 18 others remain missing after the vessel, carrying 259 passengers and eight crew members, overturned. The incident occurred after the ferry departed from the coastal town of Kyrenia on Sunday, August 30, 2026.
The head of the self-proclaimed Turkish administration on Cyprus, Ünal Üstel, confirmed the fatalities and ongoing search efforts. Officials report that the vast majority of those on board have been successfully rescued, though the search for the 18 missing individuals continues with urgency.
Turkish authorities are assisting in the rescue operation, deploying helicopters and coastguard boats to the scene.
Ambulances are also stationed on the beach to receive rescued passengers.
The ferry, a privately owned vessel, left the popular holiday resort of Kyrenia around 12:30 local time (09:30 GMT). According to Üstel, the ship was initially scheduled to travel to Turkey on Saturday but was delayed due to adverse weather conditions. The prime minister told Turkish media outlet TRT that the boat was struck by two powerful waves shortly after its departure.
The captain reportedly tried to recover from the first wave when a second impact caused the vessel to begin taking on water, leading to its capsizing.
In response to the disaster, the ship's captain and seven crew members have been detained.
They are part of an ongoing investigation to determine the exact circumstances that led to this tragedy.
The ferry has since sunk, and authorities are now focused on recovering its black box recorder, which is expected to provide crucial information about the moments leading up to the capsizing. Üstel emphasized that "the priority right now is human life," with security forces, rescue teams, and health officials working tirelessly at the scene.
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