8 Dead, 18 Missing After Passenger Ferry Capsizes Off Cyprus

September 1, 2026

Nicosia: The death toll rose to eight after a Turkish passenger ferry capsized and sank off the northern coast of Cyprus, while rescuers continued searching for 18 people still missing, Turkish Cypriot authorities said.

The double-hulled ferry was carrying 259 passengers and eight crew members when it began taking on water and capsized shortly after leaving the port of Kyrenia on Sunday afternoon.

Authorities said 241 people had been rescued as of Monday. The ferry later sank to a depth of more than 500 metres below the sea surface.

It remains unclear whether anyone was trapped inside the vessel. However, footage circulated on social media appeared to show people still inside one of the ferry’s compartments when the vessel sank.

Turkey Sends Deep-Sea Equipment for Search

Turkey is sending a deep-sea remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to assist in the search and recovery operation. The equipment is expected to reach the accident site on Tuesday.

The search is continuing for the missing passengers as rescue teams work in difficult deep-water conditions.

Turkish Cypriot authorities have arrested the ferry’s captain and seven crew members as part of the investigation.

Local media reports said the ferry had previously undergone repairs over water leaks. Some survivors reportedly alleged that the captain and crew were among the first to leave the vessel, leaving passengers without clear evacuation instructions.

The allegations have not been independently established, and authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Rough Seas Under Scrutiny

Cyprus was hit by severe storms on Saturday, with sea conditions remaining rough on Sunday. However, Turkish Cypriot authorities said weather conditions were considered suitable for the ferry to sail towards Tasucu, a Turkish port located about 120 km north of Kyrenia.

The exact cause of the capsizing remains under investigation.

The incident has raised questions about the ferry’s condition, the response of its crew and the decision to sail despite the recent severe weather.

Similar Ferry Tragedy Reported in Sudan

Earlier this year, a similar passenger ferry disaster occurred in Sudan’s Nile River State.

At least 15 people were killed after a passenger ferry sank in northern Sudan, according to a source in the country’s civil defence authority. The boat reportedly capsized amid high waves.

Civil defence teams rushed to the scene and recovered more than 15 bodies, while eight people survived and around four others were reported missing.