Archive · 1 Sep 2026
Cyprus Ferry Sinks, Killing Eight; Captain and Crew Arrested
A ferry carrying 267 people sank near northern Cyprus.
It began taking on water soon after leaving the port of Kyrenia.
The ferry tipped over and sank more than 500 metres deep.
Rescuers saved 241 people, but eight died and 18 are still missing.
The captain and seven crew members were arrested while officials investigate.
Some survivors reportedly said the crew left before many passengers and did not explain how to escape.
The sea had been rough after storms, although authorities said the trip was allowed to go ahead.
Turkey is sending a special underwater robot to help search the wreck.
Investigators have not yet determined exactly why the ferry sank.
A passenger ferry carrying 267 people capsized and sank off northern Cyprus after leaving Kyrenia.
Eight people died, 18 remain missing, and 241 people were rescued by Monday.
Authorities arrested the captain and seven crew members while investigating the sinking and evacuation.
Survivors reportedly alleged that crew members left first and passengers received no evacuation instructions.
The wreck lies more than 500 metres underwater, with Turkey sending a remotely operated vehicle to aid the search.
- Who
- A ferry carrying 259 passengers and eight crew members; eight people died, 18 are missing, and 241 were rescued.
- What
- The ferry took on water, capsized, and sank; its captain and seven crew members were arrested.
- When
- The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon, with the rescue count reported by Monday.
- Where
- Off northern Cyprus, shortly after the ferry left Kyrenia for the Turkish port of Tasucu.
- Why
- The cause remains under investigation; authorities are examining the water leak, sea conditions, and evacuation handling.
Authorities' Account
Survivors' and Media Reports
Whether sailing conditions were acceptable
Authorities' Account
Turkish Cypriot authorities said conditions were considered suitable for the ferry to depart, despite rough seas following severe storms.
Survivors' and Media Reports
The ferry left after severe storms, while reports about the rough sea have raised questions about whether the departure should have proceeded.
How the evacuation was handled
Authorities' Account
Authorities arrested the captain and seven crew members as they investigate the evacuation and the circumstances of the sinking.
Survivors' and Media Reports
Some survivors reportedly alleged that the captain and crew were among the first to leave and that passengers were not given evacuation instructions.
Possible prior leaks
Authorities' Account
Local reports said the ferry had undergone repairs for water leaks, but authorities have not established a connection to the sinking.
Survivors' and Media Reports
Reports of earlier leak repairs have led to questions about whether the vessel had a recurring water-related problem.
- People aboard
- 267 total: 259 passengers and eight crew members
- Deaths
- Eight people
- Missing
- 18 people remain unaccounted for
- Rescued
- 241 people had been rescued by Monday
- Arrests
- The captain and seven crew members
- Wreck depth
- More than 500 metres below the surface
- Search support
- Turkey is sending a deep-sea remotely operated vehicle