Ferry carrying 260 people sinks off Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

A passenger ferry capsized off the coast of Girne in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus on Sunday, triggering a large-scale search-and-rescue operation involving multiple agencies and civilian vessels. The catamaran-style ferry, carrying 267 people, sank about four miles offshore after taking on water shortly after departing Girne for Mersin’s Taşucu district in southern Türkiye. Authorities confirmed the vessel was hit by successive waves, which caused it to capsize, prompting immediate emergency response efforts.

TRNC Minister of Public Works and Transport Erhan Arıklı reported that the ferry began taking on water shortly after departure and later capsized while rescue teams were en route. The TRNC Coast Guard Command and Civil Defense teams arrived at the scene within 15 to 20 minutes of the distress call. Coast guard boats, helicopters, and civilian vessels participated in the evacuation, with additional support from a second passenger vessel that had been stationed at Girne Port. Ambulances, medical tents, and hospitals were prepared to receive survivors as they arrived.

TRNC Prime Minister Ünal Üstel later provided updated figures, confirming that the vessel carried 259 passengers and eight crew members. He explained that the ferry had been scheduled to depart the previous day but postponed due to weather conditions. According to Üstel, the vessel was struck by an initial wave, the captain attempted to regain control, but a second wave caused it to take on water and eventually capsize.

As of the latest reports, 237 people were rescued, seven fatalities were confirmed, and search-and-rescue operations continued for 23 missing individuals. TRNC authorities mobilized five coast guard vessels, two helicopters, and six Turkish Naval Forces assets to assist in the operation. The passenger vessel AKGÜNLER 3 was also deployed to aid in evacuation efforts.

A Crisis Desk, chaired by Üstel, convened to coordinate the response, with TRNC President Tufan Erhürman visiting the scene to receive updates. The meeting included key officials such as ministers of transport, health, interior, finance, and agriculture, along with commanders from the Cyprus Turkish Peace Forces and security forces. The operation remains focused on locating missing passengers and ensuring the injured receive appropriate medical care.

Emergency services emphasized full coordination among state institutions, including health teams and search-and-rescue units, as the sole priority remains saving lives. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with authorities continuing to mobilize all available resources.

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