Seven dead, 237 rescued after ferry capsizes off Northern Cyprus

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday that Türkiye has mobilized every available state resource after a passenger ferry capsized during its voyage from Kyrenia in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus to Tasucu port in Mersin. The vessel, which was carrying passengers and crew between the two ports, went down in waters off the island's northern coast, prompting immediate search and rescue operations coordinated with TRNC authorities, according to officials in Ankara.

Erdogan offered his well wishes to the Turkish nation and Turkish Cypriot people in a statement posted on the social media platform NSosyal, confirming that rescue teams had been deployed within moments of the accident. Seven people have been confirmed dead while 237 passengers and crew members have been pulled from the water safely, though search efforts for those still missing were continuing uninterrupted.

Presidential condolences

Erdogan extended his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the tragedy, expressing hope that the ongoing search operations would bring positive news regarding the missing. "Immediately after the accident, we launched extensive search and rescue operations in cooperation with the authorities of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus," he said.

The president added that the government was closely monitoring developments throughout the rescue process. "As a result of these efforts, 237 passengers and crew members were rescued safely, while unfortunately seven of our brothers and sisters lost their lives," Erdogan said, adding that Türkiye had committed all state resources to the operation.

Officials offer support

Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus offered condolences to the families of the victims and voiced hope that efforts to locate the remaining missing passengers and crew would conclude successfully. Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz also conveyed his sympathies, describing the rescue of 237 people as "our greatest consolation" while expressing hope that those still unaccounted for would be found safely.

Yilmaz thanked the Turkish and Turkish Cypriot teams involved in the search operation for their dedication during the ongoing crisis. Communications Director Burhanettin Duran confirmed that search and rescue operations were continuing without interruption, offering condolences to the families of the deceased and extending well wishes to all those affected by the accident.

Search operations ongoing

The vessel had been sailing from Kyrenia — a major port city in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus — toward Tasucu in Türkiye's southern Mersin province when it capsized in the Eastern Mediterranean. Search teams from both Türkiye and the TRNC have been scouring the waters since the accident occurred, with authorities pledging to maintain efforts until all missing persons are accounted for.