Eight Dead After Ferry Capsizes off Cyprus; Captain and Crew Detained

A ferry carrying 267 people overturned off the northern coast of Cyprus after water entered the vessel shortly after it left the port city of Kyrenia. At least eight people died, several remained missing, and most passengers were rescued.

The captain and seven crew members were detained late Sunday. Unal Ustel, prime minister of the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, said those responsible would face consequences. “Let me be absolutely clear: every aspect of this incident will be investigated. Even the slightest negligence will come to light,” he said.

The ferry was traveling toward the southern Turkish port of Mersin through rough seas. Efe Multici, who told Turkish CNN that he had been on the lower deck, said passengers warned the crew that water was entering the ship and urged them to turn back. He said the vessel suddenly tilted to one side, sending people into a panic as they jumped and searched for life jackets. Some tried to break windows to escape.

Turkish Cypriot Transport Minister Erhan Arıklı said the death toll had risen to eight. Cypriot government spokesman Konstantinos Letybiotis expressed condolences to the victims, the injured and their families, while Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan also offered condolences. Cyprus has remained divided since 1974, and Northern Cyprus is recognized only by Turkey.

“

Let me be absolutely clear: every aspect of this incident will be investigated. Even the slightest negligence will come to light.