Archive · 30 Aug 2026
Ferry Sinks Off Northern Cyprus, Eight Dead, 22 Missing
A ferry carrying almost 270 people sank near northern Cyprus.
At least eight people died.
Rescuers saved 237 people, while 22 were still missing.
The ferry was traveling from Kyrenia to Tasucu in Turkey.
Officials said it began taking in water about 15 minutes after leaving.
The ship sank in very deep water, making the search harder.
One official blamed bad weather, but another said the weather did not seem bad.
Police detained eight people, including the captain, while they investigate what happened.
At least eight people died after a catamaran-style ferry capsized off northern Cyprus.
Officials said 237 people were rescued and 22 remained missing from nearly 270 passengers and crew.
The ferry began taking on water about 15 minutes after leaving Kyrenia for Tasucu, Turkey.
Eight people, including the captain, were detained as authorities investigated the sinking.
The vessel sank in waters about 500 meters deep, complicating search and rescue operations.
- Who
- A ferry carrying nearly 270 passengers and crew; 237 people were rescued, 22 were missing, and at least eight died.
- What
- A catamaran-style ferry capsized and sank, prompting a search-and-rescue operation and an investigation.
- When
- Sunday; the ferry began taking on water about 15 minutes after departure.
- Where
- Off Cyprus’s northern coast, near Diana beach and about 7.5 kilometers offshore, in waters 500 meters deep.
- Why
- The cause was under investigation; one official cited adverse weather, while another said conditions were not bad and urged against speculation.
Weather May Have Contributed
Cause Remains Uncertain
Condition of the sea
Weather May Have Contributed
Unal Ustel said the ferry faced adverse weather conditions and began taking on water shortly after departure.
Cause Remains Uncertain
Tufan Erhurman said weather conditions were not bad and urged people not to speculate about the cause before the investigation concluded.
Investigation
Weather May Have Contributed
Authorities detained eight people, including the captain, as part of an investigation into the sinking.
Cause Remains Uncertain
The article does not report a confirmed cause or findings from the investigation.
- Deaths
- At least eight people died.
- Rescued
- 237 people were rescued, according to Turkish Cypriot officials.
- Missing
- Officials said 22 people remained missing.
- Vessel route
- The ferry was traveling from Kyrenia, also known as Girne, to Tasucu in Turkey’s Mersin province.
- Depth
- The vessel sank in waters approximately 500 meters deep.
- Detentions
- Police detained eight people, including the ferry captain.
- Operator
- The ferry was identified as belonging to Filo Denizcilik.