Cyprus: Ferry Capsizes With 270 Aboard, 7 Dead and 23 Missing
At least seven people have died after a catamaran-style ferry carrying nearly 270 passengers and crew capsized and sank off the northern coast of Cyprus on Sunday. Emergency responders have rescued more than 230 people, while search and rescue operations remain underway for missing passengers.
At least seven people have died and 23 remain missing after a passenger ferry carrying around 270 people capsized off the coast of northern Cyprus on Sunday, triggering a major search-and-rescue operation. Authorities said 237 people had been rescued, while teams continued efforts to locate those still unaccounted for, Hindustan Times reported.
Ferry Was Heading to Turkey
The catamaran-style ferry departed from the port of Kyrenia, also known as Girne, at around 12:30 p.m. local time and was travelling towards the Turkish port of Tasucu in Mersin province. Cyprus: Ferry Carrying Nearly 270 Passengers and Crew Capsizes off Northern Coast.
Ferry Capsizes Off Coast of Northern Cyprus
‼️ A passenger ferry, carrying around 270 people, capsized off North Cyprus.
The boat capsized around two kilometres north of the coast of Kyrenia. Turkish Cypriot coastguard boats were deployed to the scene, while a rescue helicopter was sent as backup. Several other boats also… pic.twitter.com/KcjLh2bmBZ
— ARIKA🇮🇳🚩 (@nidhisj2001) August 30, 2026
According to reports, the vessel began taking on water several kilometres off the coast before capsizing. The exact cause of the incident has not yet been established. The ferry was carrying about 267 people, including passengers and crew, according to reports. The vessel was identified in some reports as FILOJET.
Large-Scale Rescue Operation
A major rescue operation was launched shortly after the incident. Turkish Cypriot and Turkish coast guard units, helicopters and civilian vessels were deployed to the area. Lake Kariba Ferry Disaster: Death Toll Rises to 44 After Overloaded Vessel Capsizes in Zimbabwe.
Several survivors were seen wearing life jackets and taking shelter on the overturned hull of the ferry while rescue teams worked to bring them to safety. Authorities have also been using additional technology to determine whether anyone remains trapped inside the vessel.
Turkish Cypriot authorities said all available resources were being used to search for the missing passengers.
Seven Confirmed Dead
Authorities have confirmed seven deaths so far. The number of missing people was reported at 23 after 237 passengers and crew members were rescued.
The figures have changed as the rescue operation progressed, and authorities are continuing to verify the status of those who were aboard the ferry. Officials have not yet released a detailed breakdown of the identities or nationalities of those who died or remain missing.
Cause Under Investigation
The circumstances that caused the ferry to take on water remain unclear. Local officials have pointed to unusual weather and sea conditions as a possible factor, but no definitive cause has been established. Investigators are expected to examine the vessel, weather conditions and its operation before determining what led to the accident. The incident occurred on a busy maritime route linking northern Cyprus with Turkey, which is served by several ferry operators.
Search for Missing Passengers Continues
Search teams remain focused on locating the 23 people still missing. Authorities have said the operation will continue and that efforts are being made to determine whether anyone could still be inside the overturned vessel.
The incident is among the most serious recent maritime accidents in the area and has prompted a large emergency response involving authorities on both sides of the route.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 30, 2026 09:14 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
