A major maritime tragedy has struck northern Cyprus, after a passenger ferry carrying 267 people capsized off the coast of Kyrenia on Sunday. The privately operated vessel was travelling from Kyrenia to the Turkish port of Taşucu when it began taking on water shortly after leaving the port. At least eight people have died, while around 17–18 people remain unaccounted for, according to the latest reports.
Rescue teams managed to bring more than 240 people to safety, with some survivors seen clinging to the overturned ferry before being rescued by coast guard vessels and helicopters. The vessel eventually sank to a depth of around 514 metres, making the search for missing passengers particularly difficult. Survivors reportedly described the ferry moving erratically before its bow was damaged and water entered the vessel.
The exact cause of the disaster remains under investigation. The captain and crew members have been detained for questioning, while Turkish and Turkish Cypriot authorities continue search-and-rescue operations, including the deployment of divers and naval vessels. Authorities are also examining whether weather conditions, technical problems or possible negligence played a role in the tragedy.