Vessel carrying 270 people capsizes off Turkish Cyprus

KYRENIA

The ferry begins taking on water shortly after departing from Turkish Cyprus’ Kyrenia Port. (AA Photo)

A passenger ferry carrying around 270 people capsized off the coast of Turkish Cyprus shortly after leaving the port of Kyrenia for Taşucu in southern Türkiye on Aug. 30, prompting a major search-and-rescue operation, authorities have announced.

The Filo Denizcilik-operated catamaran began taking on water shortly after departing Kyrenia Port at around noon, according to Erhan Arıklı, the Turkish Cypriot minister of public works and transport.

Arıklı said the captain noticed the water ingress and attempted to turn the vessel back toward the port, but the ferry capsized about 4 miles offshore before it could reach safety.

Initial reports put the number of people aboard at around 270, while Arıklı later said 279 people, including crew members, were on the vessel.

Search-and-rescue teams reached the scene around 15 to 20 minutes after receiving the distress call, Arıklı said. Coast Guard boats and helicopters, along with civilian vessels in the area and a passenger ferry operated by another company, joined the operation.

Kyrenia Mayor said in an initial update that 160 people were reached, while rescue efforts were continuing.

The passengers were being transferred to other vessels in the area, Arıklı said, adding that ambulances were placed on standby at Kyrenia Port. Civil Defense teams also set up a field medical tent at the port to provide initial treatment.

Passengers in serious condition would be transferred to hospitals immediately, Arıklı said, stressing that the priority was to complete the evacuation without loss of life.

He added that sea conditions in the area were rough and waves were high, with the exact cause of the accident to be determined following an investigation.

Turkish Cypriot Prime Minister Ünal Üstel and Arıklı went to Kyrenia Port to monitor the rescue operation.