A passenger ferry capsized off the coast of northern Cyprus on Sunday, August 30, killing at least seven people, with hundreds more pulled from the water following a major rescue operation. The vessel, carrying more than 260 people, went down shortly after leaving port, prompting a large-scale search and rescue response involving Turkish authorities.
Death Toll and Rescue Numbers Confirmed
The death toll was confirmed by Unal Ustel, prime minister of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), according to Turkish state media. Ustel added that around 237 people had been rescued by the time of the report. Search and rescue operations were still ongoing at the time of the report, with victims being flown ashore via helicopter.
The vessel had departed from the port of Kyrenia, also known as Girne, and was heading towards Tasucu, a port in the southern Turkish province of Mersin, when it went down.
How Many People Were on Board
TRNC Transport Minister Erhan Arikli told Turkish and Cypriot media that 267 people were on board at the time of the incident — 259 passengers and 8 crew members. The TRNC Health Ministry said in a statement that authorities were putting measures in place to ensure a quick response from rescue and medical teams.
"All necessary preparations are being made for a swift response from rescue and health services," the ministry said.
Turkey Joins the Rescue Effort
Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz confirmed the country's involvement in an X post, saying: "We are closely following the unfortunate incident that has occurred and providing all possible support to the search and rescue efforts."
Northern Cyprus has been divided from the rest of the island since 1974. The TRNC, which administers the northern portion of Cyprus, is recognised internationally only by Turkey.
Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that at least 40 people were feared dead after a wooden canoe capsized in Gorau town, Goronyo local government area of Sokoto state, while transporting farmers and labourers to rice fields across a stream. A local journalist, Sharhabilu Yahuza Kiliya, who was present at the scene, made this known. "So far, we have recovered about 40 bodies, while six people, including the village head, were rescued," he said.
