Archive · 1 Sep 2026
Captain Held After Northern Cyprus Ferry Capsize, 20 Missing
A ferry carrying 267 people overturned near Kyrenia in northern Cyprus.
It was traveling to Tasucu in Turkey.
At least eight people died, and officials gave different numbers for those still missing.
Authorities said 239 people were rescued.
Some survivors held onto the upside-down ferry until other boats and coastguards helped them.
The ferry later sank more than 500 meters underwater.
Divers and other rescuers searched the deep water.
The captain and other people connected with the ferry were detained while investigators tried to learn what happened.
Survivors said they heard a sound like an explosion and that there may not have been enough safety equipment.
A ferry carrying 267 people capsized about four nautical miles off Kyrenia shortly after departing for Tasucu.
At least eight people died, while officials gave differing estimates of 18, 19 or 20 people missing.
Authorities said 239 people were rescued, including survivors who clung to the overturned hull before being picked up.
The vessel sank in waters about 514 meters deep, and divers from Turkey joined the search.
Police detained the captain and 15 others; nine appeared in court on negligent-homicide charges, and the captain was remanded in custody.
- Who
- The ferry’s 267 passengers and crew, survivors, rescuers, the captain and crew, and the missing passengers.
- What
- A ferry capsized and sank, killing at least eight people and leaving officials reporting 18, 19 or 20 missing.
- When
- The accident occurred on Sunday; the search and legal proceedings continued on Monday, Aug. 31.
- Where
- About four nautical miles off Kyrenia in northern Cyprus; the ferry was later located 514 meters underwater.
- Why
- The vessel encountered trouble shortly after departure. Survivors reported a possible explosion, violent jolting and water entering the ferry, but the definitive cause remained under investigation.
Reported Mechanical or Weather Failure
Accountability and Safety Concerns
What caused the capsize
Reported Mechanical or Weather Failure
The captain and crew said powerful waves smashed open the front of the vessel. Survivors reported hearing something like an explosion, violent jolting and water entering the ferry.
Accountability and Safety Concerns
Authorities had not established a definitive cause and were attempting to retrieve the ferry’s black box. The president of Northern Cyprus said the ferry company would be held accountable.
Availability of safety equipment
Reported Mechanical or Weather Failure
Passengers said the emergency developed quickly and that some people had to jump into the water without life jackets or lifebuoys.
Accountability and Safety Concerns
The reported shortage was a survivor account, while officials were still investigating the vessel and its safety procedures.
Extent of the missing-person total
Reported Mechanical or Weather Failure
Some officials reported 18 missing people, including 18 Turkish citizens and two people from Northern Cyprus according to one authority’s account.
Accountability and Safety Concerns
Other reports gave totals of 19 or 20 missing, and officials said confirmed data would be provided after the search and investigation progressed.
- People aboard
- 267
- Rescued
- 239, according to Northern Cyprus authorities
- Confirmed deaths
- At least eight
- Missing
- Officials reported differing estimates of 18, 19 or 20
- Route
- Kyrenia to Tasucu in Mersin province, Turkey
- Wreck depth
- 514 meters (1,686 feet)
- Detentions and charges
- The captain and 15 others were detained; nine appeared in court charged with negligent homicide
- Search effort
- Divers from Turkey, Turkish naval vessels, drones, private boats and coastguard authorities assisted the operation
