Deaths reported after ferry capsizes off coast of Cyprus
Officials have confirmed that passengers have died after a ferry capsized off the coast of northern Cyprus today.
In a statement shared by local media, Unal Ustel, the prime minister of Northern Cyprus, said: “We are deeply saddened. There has been loss of life and there are injuries.
“We are on the ground with all our resources.”
The Turkish ambassador to Nicosia, Ali Murat Basceri, also said there were some casualties, but did not specify how many, speaking to Turkey’s state-run TRT news channel.
Harriette Boucher30 August 2026 14:06
More than 172 people rescued as search continues
More than 172 people have been rescued from the boat that capsized off the coast of northern Cyprus on Sunday.
Unal Ustel, the prime minister of Northern Cyprus confirmed the rescue to Turkish state-run TRT news channel.
The ferry was carrying more than 260 people and the search for others is still underway.
Harriette Boucher30 August 2026 13:59
In pictures: Operation underway to rescue passengers on board capsized boat
Harriette Boucher30 August 2026 13:55
Boat carrying more than 260 people capsizes off northern Cyrprus
An operation is underway after a boat carrying more than 260 people capsized off the coast of northern Cyprus on Sunday.
Local media reported that the vessel was traveling from the port of Kyrenia, also known as Girne, in the breakaway north of ethnically divided Cyprus, to the Turkish port of Tasucu in Mersin province.
There are no reports of casualties so far.
Harriette Boucher30 August 2026 13:48