30.08.2026 19:04
The toll is rising from the passenger ship that capsized off the coast of Kyrenia in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Erhan Arıklı, the Minister of Public Works and Transport of the TRNC, reported that the number of fatalities in the ship accident has risen to 8, and that search efforts for the 22 missing people continue uninterrupted. Meanwhile, the ship's 8-member crew, including the captain, has been taken into custody.
The death toll from the passenger ship that capsized off the coast of Kyrenia in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is rising. While the death toll has increased to 8, it was reported that search efforts for the 17 missing people are continuing unabated. The 8-member crew, including the ship's captain, has been detained.
A ship carrying 267 people capsized off the coast of Kyrenia in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). It was stated that a catamaran-type passenger ship, which had set out from Kyrenia to Mersin Tasucu, began taking on water 4 nautical miles off the coast.
"THE SHIP IS IN AN INVERTED STATE"
Erhan Arıklı, the Minister of Public Works and Transportation of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), noting that teams arrived at the scene shortly after the incident was reported, said, "Coast Guard and Civil Defense teams intervened immediately. Unfortunately, the ship is currently in an inverted state. Efforts are ongoing to evacuate approximately 260 passengers."
ALL UNITS MOBILIZED FOR THE RESCUE OPERATION
Minister Arıklı, emphasizing that many units are supporting the rescue efforts, said:
"Currently, Coast Guard boats, helicopters, and civilian boats and ships in the region are accompanying the rescue efforts. Passengers are being taken from the ship and transferred to safer locations. We have also made ambulances ready at the port and are waiting for the passengers to be brought to shore."
TEAMS ARRIVED IN 15-20 MINUTES
Arıklı stated that all state resources were mobilized from the moment the accident occurred, adding that Coast Guard teams reached the scene approximately 15-20 minutes after the notification and that the rescue operation was being carried out in a coordinated manner.
HUGE WAVES MAKE RESCUE EFFORTS DIFFICULT
Minister Arıklı noted that there is no definitive information yet regarding the cause of the accident, but the sea conditions in the region are quite severe:
"It is too early to say anything definitive right now, but the sea is quite rough. We will clarify how the incident occurred as a result of investigations. Our priority is to bring our passengers to shore without loss of life."
PASSENGERS BEING TRANSFERRED TO OTHER SHIPS
Referring to the details of the rescue operation, Minister Arıklı said that other sea vessels in the region had also been mobilized:
"Following the ship that departed from Kyrenia Port at 12:00, we directed other passenger ships held at the port to the area. A passenger ship from another company immediately moved and reached the region, beginning to take the accident victims on board."
"FIELD HOSPITAL" BEING SET UP AT THE PORT
Arıklı, stating that extensive preparations are being made at Kyrenia Port for the evacuated passengers, said:
"We have taken all precautions on the shore. Our ambulances are on standby. Our Civil Defense teams are quickly setting up a medical intervention tent at the port. Initial aid interventions will be carried out here; if there are passengers in serious condition, and we hope there won't be, they will be immediately transferred to hospitals. Our teams are working with intense effort to complete the process without any loss of life."
HOSPITALS AND PORT READIED
The TRNC Ministry of Health reported that following the capsizing of a passenger ship off Kyrenia, all precautions have been taken at the port and hospitals to ensure that initial intervention and health services are not disrupted. The statement emphasized that measures against any possible situation have been raised to the highest level both at Kyrenia Port and in state and private hospitals. It was stated that maximum human resources have been mobilized and health teams are on standby.
RESCUED PASSENGERS BROUGHT TO KYRENIA PORT
Minister Arıklı reported that those rescued from the capsized ship off Kyrenia have been brought to Kyrenia Port and that, depending on their condition, the passengers will be taken to various hospitals in the TRNC. Arıklı emphasized that the rescue efforts are being carried out by a large team and noted that the factors causing the ship to capsize are also being investigated.
"OUR PRIORITY IS THE RESCUE OF PASSENGERS AND CREW"
Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, in a statement on his social media account regarding the accident, said the news deeply saddened everyone, stating:
"Search and rescue efforts initiated by the TRNC and Republic of Türkiye Coast Guard elements and related institutions are continuing unabated. As of now, our main priority is the rescue of the passengers and crew. We are closely following this unfortunate incident and providing all kinds of support to the search and rescue efforts. I extend my wishes for a speedy recovery to our passengers, crew, and our nation."
CRISIS DESK MEETS UNDER CHAIRMANSHIP OF PRIME MINISTER USTEL
The Crisis Desk established after the accident met under the chairmanship of TRNC Prime Minister Ünal Üstel. The meeting was attended by the Ministers of Transportation, Health, Interior, Finance, and Agriculture, along with the Commander of the Turkish Peace Forces in Cyprus, the Commander of the Security Forces, the Director General of Police, and the President of the Civil Defense Organization. It was decided to continue search and rescue activities uninterruptedly with all resources mobilized, while Prime Minister Üstel said, "Our only priority right now is human life. All institutions of our state are on the field in full coordination."
NUMBER OF FATALITIES RISES TO 8
TRNC Minister of Public Works and Transportation Erhan Arıklı reported that the number of fatalities in the ship accident has risen to 8 and that search efforts for the 17 missing people are continuing unabated.
8 PEOPLE, INCLUDING THE CAPTAIN, DETAINED
Üstel announced that while search and rescue efforts continue, an investigation has been immediately launched to determine how the disaster occurred. Reporting that the ship's captain and 7 officials have been detained, Üstel emphasized that possible negligence and responsibilities will be investigated in all aspects. Üstel said, "I am saying this very clearly: Every aspect of this incident will be investigated. Even the slightest negligence will be uncovered. Whoever is at fault or responsible, there will be no mercy shown."
Stating that shedding light on all dimensions of the disaster is both the duty of the TRNC state and its responsibility towards those who lost their lives and their families, Üstel emphasized that the state is on duty with all its institutions. Üstel said, "We are now focused with all our strength on reaching our missing, healing our wounds, and uncovering all the facts of this great disaster."