Seven Dead, 23 Missing After Ferry Capsizes Off Northern Cyprus

DLJBSP · 2026-08-30T16:03:39Z

A ferry carrying 267 people capsized off northern Cyprus on Sunday, August 30, leaving at least seven people dead and 23 still missing. But amid the tragedy, a large rescue effort has already brought 237 passengers and crew safely out of the water, and the search for those still missing continues.

The catamaran-style ferry FILOJET had left Kyrenia, also known as Girne, at about 12:30 p.m. local time for Taşucu on Turkey's southern coast. There were 259 passengers and eight crew members aboard. The ferry was only about four nautical miles offshore when it began taking on water and eventually capsized.

What followed was a massive rescue effort.

Coast guard vessels and helicopters were sent toward the overturned ferry, but they weren't the only ones who came. Local people with boats headed out to help. Civilian vessels joined the professional rescuers as hundreds of people suddenly found themselves in the sea or clinging to the overturned ferry.

Video from the scene shows just how precarious the situation was. Passengers wearing life jackets could be seen sitting and standing on the exposed hull of the capsized ferry, waiting for rescue boats to reach them. Others were pulled directly from the water. Those brought back to Kyrenia Port were met by ambulances and medical teams.

The search is far from over. Authorities say some of the 23 people still missing could possibly be trapped inside the overturned vessel. Rescuers are using additional technology to determine whether anyone remains inside while boats and helicopters continue searching the surrounding water.

There are still questions about why the ferry went down so quickly. The crossing had originally been scheduled for Saturday but was postponed because of bad weather. Northern Cyprus Prime Minister Ünal Üstel said the ferry encountered waves Sunday and began taking on water. However, authorities have not yet determined the cause of the capsizing, and an investigation is underway.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said Turkey had mobilized resources to assist with the search. Northern Cyprus has established a crisis center, and for now the focus remains where it should be: finding the people who are still missing.

The numbers have changed several times as rescuers have accounted for more passengers. The latest figures available are seven dead, 237 rescued and 23 still missing.

This report includes information from The Associated Press, Reuters, Anadolu Agency, Turkish Cypriot authorities and other published sources. Figures may change as the search-and-rescue operation continues.