Istanbul, August 30, 2026 – A ferry with 267 people on board capsized and sank off the coast of the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The latest toll reports eight dead, while 17 are still missing. Most of the 259 passengers are reportedly Turkish nationals, but the Foreign Ministry has already activated its channels to verify the possible presence of Italians.
Meanwhile, according to reports from the Turkish Cnn and the Cyprus Mail, the commander of the vessel and the other seven crew members have been arrested on charges of possible negligence.
The sinking shortly after leaving the port
The vessel, belonging to the fleet of the Filo Shipping company, had just departed from the port of Kyrenia (in Turkish Girne) when – according to the Ministry of Public Works and Transport – “about four miles from the port of departure it began to take on water and was at risk of sinking”.
The Turkish Cypriot prime minister said the ship was supposed to depart yesterday for Turkey, but due to weather conditions the departure was postponed to today. “However, a first wave hit at sea and, while the captain was trying to save the passengers, the ship began to take on water due to a second wave,” he added.
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In videos quickly circulating on the web, the capsized ferry but still afloat can be seen, with dozens of people wearing life jackets on top.
HUNDREDS OF PASSENGERS ARE WAITING TO BE RESCUED ON THE CAPSIZED SHIP! Passengers on the Express Passenger Ship belonging to Filo Jet, with more than 250 people on board, which capsized 2-3 km offshore shortly after leaving Girne Port, are waiting to be rescued on the overturned ship!… pic.twitter.com/IwYiaQs3pY
— Özgür Gazete Kıbrıs (@CyprusNewspaper) August 30, 2026
Rescue operations with ships and helicopters
The Turkish Interior Ministry announced that four ships of the Turkish Cypriot Coast Guard, five of the Turkish Coast Guard, which also provided two helicopters, and the passenger transport ship Akgunler 3 have been deployed in the area. The Turkish Navy has deployed another six naval units to support search and rescue operations. “Our people also rushed to the scene of the accident,” Ustel told reporters. Those who owned a boat came to help. Our medical teams are ready, we have taken all necessary precautions.”
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