Ship Disaster off Kyrenia: Families Continue Waiting at Taşucu Port

Families continued waiting at Mersin’s Taşucu Port after a Turkish passenger catamaran traveling from Kyrenia in Northern Cyprus capsized shortly after departing on the afternoon of Aug. 30.

Eight people died in the accident, 241 passengers were rescued, and search efforts continued for 18 people reported missing.

Mersin’s provincial authorities established a crisis center at the port. AFAD, UMKE, gendarmerie, police and medical teams remained on standby as a precaution. Mersin Governor Atilla Toros and Silifke district governor Eyüp Fırat met with the managers of the agencies involved.

Some relatives went to the passenger terminal to seek information. The Provincial Directorate of Family and Social Services assigned psychosocial support teams for relatives of passengers under its disaster and emergency response program. Medical care was also provided to relatives who fell ill.

Ferry services from Taşucu to Cyprus were suspended, leaving travelers at the terminal waiting to learn when crossings would resume. They continued speaking with officials for updates.