A major rescue operation is underway in the Mediterranean Sea after a passenger vessel traveling from Northern Cyprus to Turkey capsized, according to local media reports.
Nearly 300 people were reportedly aboard the vessel when it encountered trouble.
Erhan Arikli, public works minister for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, told Turkish state television that the boat departed from Kyrenia and was traveling toward the Turkish port of Taşucu when it began taking on water.
Emergency crews were dispatched to the area as authorities worked to rescue passengers and determine what caused the vessel to capsize.
“Unfortunately, the ship is now upside down. Work continues for the evacuation of approximately 260 passengers,” Arikli said.
Coast Guard vessels, helicopters and civilian boats in the area have joined the rescue operation, Arikli said, as emergency crews race to reach those aboard the capsized vessel.
Video from the scene showed at least one helicopter hovering above the overturned boat while rescue teams worked in the surrounding waters.
Authorities have not yet provided a complete accounting of the passengers or confirmed whether there were any casualties.
“The sea is quite rough,” Arikli said, per CNN. “Our priority is to bring our passengers to land without loss of life.”
MarineTraffic tracking data showed the vessel north of Kyrenia on Sunday morning before its position transmissions abruptly stopped.
Tracking information indicated that another ferry subsequently traveled to the area of the accident, apparently to assist with the rescue operation. The vessel was later shown approaching Kyrenia harbor.
A livestream from the port showed people arriving on shore as ambulance sirens could be heard in the background. Several ambulances were also seen lined up near the harbor as emergency crews prepared to receive those rescued from the vessel.
Purported video from the scene showed the passenger boat lying on its side in rough seas. People wearing life jackets could be seen being pulled to safety by rescuers, while others remained in the water awaiting assistance.
Authorities continued working to account for everyone believed to have been aboard as the rescue operation unfolded.
BREAKING:
A passenger ferry has capsized north of Cyprus shortly after setting off for Turkey.
280 people were onboard. A massive rescue operation is underway, with many people in the water. pic.twitter.com/0mT7UTe9j3
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) August 30, 2026
BREAKING: Passenger ferry carrying 270 people has capsized off the Northern Cyprus coast; casualties currently unknown. pic.twitter.com/I3xrRVpMz9
— Scope Report (@ScopeReport_) August 30, 2026
BREAKING: A passenger ferry carrying 270 people has capsized off northern Cyprus.
The boat had departed from Kyrenia (Girne) and was heading to the Turkish port of Tasucu when the incident happened, local media reports.https://t.co/CGUXu55g35
📺 Sky 501 and YouTube pic.twitter.com/kApVdANYTT
— Sky News (@SkyNews) August 30, 2026
Reuters reported that one person has died.
Kyrenia Mayor Murat Senkul told broadcaster CNN Turk that rescuers had reached 159 passengers aboard the stricken vessel as the emergency operation continued.
Video from the scene showed passengers wearing red life jackets sitting and standing on top of the overturned vessel while Coast Guard crews and private boats rushed to the area to help bring them safely to shore.
The Kibris newspaper reported that the vessel began taking on water approximately four miles off the coast of Northern Cyprus.
Some reports described the passenger vessel as a catamaran, although authorities had not immediately confirmed the exact type of vessel involved.
This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
