Six killed after ferry overturns off Northern Cyprus
30.08.2026 - 16:12 | Last Updated:
Six people have died after a passenger ferry carrying 267 people overturned shortly after leaving Kyrenia Port for Taşucu in southern Türkiye, with search and rescue operations still underway.
The ferry, operated by a private company, departed Kyrenia Port at around 12:30 p.m. bound for Taşucu Port in Mersin. The vessel began taking on water shortly after leaving the port for reasons that remain unclear.
After the captain issued a distress call, the coast guard and port authorities dispatched rescue teams to the area. Local boat owners also joined the rescue effort as emergency teams were mobilised.
Northern Cyprus Prime Minister Ünal Üstel said 172 people had been rescued from the overturned vessel, while six people had died. Search and rescue operations were continuing as authorities worked to determine the full extent of the incident.
Üstel said there were 259 passengers and eight crew members on board. He explained that the ferry had originally been scheduled to travel to Türkiye the previous day but was delayed because of weather conditions.
According to Üstel, the vessel was hit by a first wave while at sea. As the captain attempted to respond, a second wave struck the ferry, causing it to begin taking on water and eventually overturn.
The prime minister said authorities were closely monitoring the situation, adding that coast guard units, medical teams and members of the public with boats had been mobilised to assist those affected.
