Vessel carrying 270 people capsizes off Turkish Cyprus
The ferry begins taking on water shortly after departing from Turkish Cyprus’ Kyrenia Port. (AA Photo)
A passenger ferry carrying around 270 people capsized off the coast of Turkish Cyprus shortly after leaving the port of Kyrenia for Taşucu in southern Türkiye on Aug. 30, prompting a major search-and-rescue operation, authorities have announced.
The Filo Denizcilik-operated catamaran began taking on water shortly after departing Kyrenia Port at around noon, according to Erhan Arıklı, the Turkish Cypriot minister of public works and transport.
Arıklı said the captain noticed the water ingress and attempted to turn the vessel back toward the port, but the ferry capsized about 4 miles offshore before it could reach safety.
