Eight dead, 18 missing after ferry capsizes off Northern Cyprus: Erhurman

Turkish Cypriot President Tufan Erhurman announced on Sunday that eight people have died and 18 remain missing after a passenger ferry capsized off the coast of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The vessel, which sank near the city of Kyrenia, is now resting at a depth of 514 meters (1,686 feet), with 241 people rescued from the waters, Erhurman stated.

Erhurman told reporters in Lefkosa that four of the eight bodies recovered have been identified, while efforts continue to identify the remaining victims. “Eight people on board lost their lives, and we are searching for another 18 people,” he said, adding that search operations are continuing uninterrupted.

Cross-border rescue assets deployed

Türkiye has deployed three aircraft, four unmanned aerial vehicles, six helicopters, four Coast Guard boats, a fast attack craft, a frigate and a patrol vessel to support ongoing operations, Erhurman stated. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus has committed four Coast Guard boats, two helicopters, a fast attack craft and a patrol vessel, alongside Civil Defense and police teams, he added.

National mourning period declared

The Turkish Cypriot Council of Ministers declared three days of national mourning for those killed and missing in the disaster. The Turkish Embassy in Lefkosa canceled a reception scheduled for Sunday to mark Türkiye’s Aug. 30 Victory Day, according to diplomatic sources. Turkish Cypriot Prime Minister Unal Ustel accompanied Erhurman during the announcement.