NICOSIA — A tragic maritime accident unfolded on Sunday when a double‑hulled ferry carrying 267 passengers capsized just off the northern Cypriot port city of Kyrenia. The vessel, bound for the Turkish port of Taşucu in Mersin province, took on water and flipped, leaving survivors clinging to the overturned hull before being rescued by passing ships and coastguard crews.
Eight people have been confirmed dead, and officials estimate that between 18 and 19 passengers remain missing. The wreck now rests on the seabed at a depth of more than 500 meters (1,640 feet), complicating rescue efforts.
Search and rescue operations
Divers from Turkey have joined Cypriot authorities in a painstaking search of the deep‑water site. The operation involves surface vessels, sonar equipment, and remotely operated vehicles, all aimed at locating any survivors trapped inside the sunken hull.
“We’ve been waiting since the morning, for 12 hours or maybe more,” said Naif Ezer, a family member waiting outside the Kyrenia port for news of his loved ones. Ezer, who traveled with two friends to visit family, reported that one of the three friends has been found, while the other two are still unaccounted for.
Authorities respond
Cyprus officials have detained the captain and crew for questioning, seeking to determine the cause of the sudden loss of stability. Early reports describe a violent jolt that sent the vessel’s bow bursting open upon impact with the sea surface.
While some survivors were rescued quickly, others remain in limbo as families gather at the port, some silently weeping, others scrolling their phones for updates.
Impact on regional ferry service
The capsized ferry was one of several daily sea shuttle links that connect northern Cyprus with Turkey. The incident raises concerns about the safety standards of these short‑haul vessels, many of which operate under tight schedules and varying maintenance regimes.
Local businesses in Kyrenia, which rely on the steady flow of tourists and commuters across the water, may feel the ripple effects of reduced confidence in ferry travel. Community leaders are urging authorities to conduct a thorough safety review and to improve oversight of maritime operators.
What comes next
Rescue teams will continue to search the wreck for any signs of life, though the depth and condition of the vessel make recovery efforts extremely challenging. The government has pledged additional resources to support the families of the missing and deceased, including counseling services and financial assistance for funeral expenses.
As the investigation proceeds, the focus remains on bringing closure to those awaiting news and on ensuring that future ferry operations meet the highest safety standards to protect the lives of passengers traveling between Cyprus and Turkey.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
