World

At least seven dead after ferry capsizes off Cyprus

By AAP Newswire

Aug 31, 2026

Survivors on a bus — Some 237 people have been rescued after a ferry capsized off the coast of northern Cyprus. -AP

At least seven people have died after a ferry carrying nearly 270 passengers and crew capsized off the coast of northern Cyprus, while search and rescue efforts continue.

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Some 237 people have been rescued, Northern Cyprus Prime Minister Unal Ustel told Turkish state-run TRT news channel.

He said a search was underway for another 24 people.

Ustel said the ferry faced adverse weather conditions and began taking in water just 15 minutes after departure.

A call for help was issued shortly after, he said.

The catamaran-style ferry was travelling 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.

Kyrenia Mayor Murat Senkul said the ship belonged to the Filo Denizcilik ferry company and sank off the coast of Diana beach on Cyprus' northern coast.

The ferry started taking in water about 7.5km off the coast, TRT reported.

Video footage from the scene shows people with life-vests floating in the water around the capsized vessel.