Archive · 1 Sep 2026
Deep-Sea Team Searches for Missing Cyprus Ferry Passengers
A ferry carrying 267 people overturned soon after leaving Kyrenia in northern Cyprus.
At least eight people died, and 20 people are still missing.
Some survivors stayed safe by holding onto the upside-down ferry or nearby boats.
The ferry sank more than 500 metres below the surface.
Local rescue teams did not have equipment that could reach that depth.
A specialist team from Turkey arrived with a remotely operated vehicle to find and examine the wreck.
Videos appeared to suggest that some people might still have been inside a compartment, but this was not confirmed.
Authorities are investigating the cause, and nine people connected to the ferry were detained for questioning.
At least eight people died after a double-hulled ferry capsized off northern Cyprus on Sunday.
The ferry carried 267 passengers and crew, with 20 people, including children, still missing.
Survivors were rescued after clinging to the overturned hull and nearby boats.
A Turkish specialist team began locating the wreck in waters more than 500 metres deep using a remotely operated vehicle.
Nine people connected to the ferry’s operations were remanded in custody for three days as authorities investigate.
- Who
- Passengers and crew aboard the ferry; at least eight died, 20 are missing, and other survivors were rescued. Nine people connected to the vessel’s operations were detained.
- What
- A double-hulled ferry took in water, overturned and sank, prompting a deep-water search and investigation.
- When
- The ferry capsized on Sunday; the Turkish specialist team began work on Tuesday, according to the September 1 reports.
- Where
- About four nautical miles off northern Cyprus, shortly after the ferry left Kyrenia; the wreck lies more than 500 metres underwater.
- Why
- Rescuers are searching for 20 missing people and investigating the disaster because the wreck is beyond the reach of locally available equipment.
Authorities’ position
Witness and video accounts
Cause of the disaster
Authorities’ position
The cause remains under investigation, and Turkish Cypriot authorities said the vessel had a valid seaworthiness certificate.
Witness and video accounts
Witnesses said the wide-bodied catamaran lurched violently before crashing into the water, with the impact tearing open part of its bow.
People possibly trapped inside
Authorities’ position
Authorities said it remained unclear whether any missing passengers were trapped inside the overturned vessel.
Witness and video accounts
Social-media footage appeared to show people inside one compartment while others waited for help on the hull.
Search capability
Authorities’ position
Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman said local resources could not intervene at the seabed, which was more than 500 metres deep.
Witness and video accounts
The Turkish team said its remotely operated vehicle could identify the wreck and support detailed searches and investigation at that depth.
- People aboard
- 267 passengers and crew
- Confirmed deaths
- At least eight
- Missing
- 20 people, including children
- Wreck depth
- More than 500 metres (1,640 feet)
- Wreck location
- About four nautical miles off the coast of northern Cyprus
- Search equipment
- A remotely operated vehicle operated by a Turkish specialist team
- Detentions
- Nine people connected to the vessel’s operations were remanded in custody for three days
- Vessel certification
- Turkish Cypriot authorities said the ferry had a valid seaworthiness certificate