Boat with around 270 onboard sinks off Cyprus, search and rescue underway

The ferry reportedly began taking on water before capsizing about two kilometres north of the Kyrenia coast early on Sunday afternoon.Coast Guard vessels and a rescue helicopter were deployed to the area.A passenger ferry travelling from Kyrenia, also known as Girne, to Taucu in Turkey’s Mersin province capsized off the coast of northern Cyprus on Sunday after taking on water.Kyrenia Mayor Murat enkul told broadcaster CNN Turk that 159 of the 258 passengers aboard the vessel had been reached by rescue teams. Earlier reports had placed the total number of passengers and crew at around 270.The Cyprus Mail reported that the ferry capsized shortly after leaving Kyrenia and quoted Senkul as describing the situation as “serious”.Coast Guard vessels, helicopters and civilian boats were deployed for the rescue operation, while ambulances were placed on standby at Girne Port.A passenger ferry traveling from Girne to Taucu in Trkiye’s Mersin province capsized after taking on water off the coast of Northern Cyprus on August 30.Coast Guard vessels, helicopters and civilian boats were deployed for rescue operations, while ambulances were placed on pic.twitter.com/jlrTFygxFZ— Global Brief (@globalbrief_now) August 30, 2026 Kibris, a Turkish-language newspaper, reported that the vessel, described in some accounts as a catamaran, began taking on water about four miles off the coast. It said ambulances had been dispatched to the scene.The exact number of people aboard remained unclear as the rescue operation continued. There was no immediate confirmation of casualties. This is a developing story. It will be updated.- EndsPublished On: Aug 30, 2026 16:46 IST