30.08.2026 17:40
As search and rescue efforts continue following the disaster involving a catamaran-type passenger ship that capsized off Kyrenia with 267 passengers and crew on board, a striking claim has emerged regarding the cause of the ship's sinking. TRNC Minister of Public Works and Transport Erhan Arıklı stated that they are considering the possibility that the ship may have struck a foreign object, given that the accident occurred at a time when adverse weather conditions had passed.
A catamaran-type passenger ship, which departed from the port of Girne in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) to Mersin Taşucu, took on water and capsized shortly after departure.
It was announced that 7 people lost their lives on the ship, which carried a total of 267 people, including 259 passengers and 8 crew members.
As a result of intensive efforts, 237 people were reached alive, while search efforts for the 23 people considered missing continue uninterrupted.
CLAIM OF "OBJECT IMPACT" IN THE DISASTER While the cause of the ship's sinking has not yet been officially confirmed, TRNC Minister of Public Works and Transportation Erhan Arıklı made striking evaluations.
TRNC Minister of Public Works and Transportation Erhan Arıklı Minister Arıklı, stating that sailings were not permitted the day before due to adverse weather conditions, but the sea was favorable on the day of the incident, said, "We need to conduct research to understand the cause of the ship's sinking. There is also a claim that an object may have struck the ship, and we are meticulously investigating this possibility as well."
SEARCH AND RESCUE MOBILIZATION CONTINUES Following the captain's emergency call, Coast Guard boats, helicopters, and civilian vessels from the TRNC and Turkey were dispatched to the region. TRNC Prime Minister Ünal Üstel reported that all resources are being used for the search and rescue mobilization in the area. Teams continue scanning from sea and air to reach the 23 missing people.