Ferry capsizes with 260 people onboard sparking massive rescue operation

Lizzie McAllister | Deputy News Editor Published August 30, 2026 1:14pm Updated August 30, 2026 1:19pm To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video A ferry has capsized in northern Cyprus with at least 260 people on board. The passenger ship Express was carrying 258 passengers plus crew from Kyrenia (Girne) to the Turkish port of Tasucu when the incident took place. It began to take on water a few miles from the coast before capsizing, Turkish state-run broadcaster TRT news reported. A huge search and rescue operation is now underway to save the people onboard. Three coast guard boats and a number of private boats responded to the incident as it sank. Survivors arrive on shore after being rescued from the capsized boat (Picture: Reuters) Sign up for all of the latest stories Start your day informed with Metro's News Updates newsletter or get Breaking News alerts the moment it happens. A helicopter was dispatched to help with rescue efforts (Pictures: Reuters) At least one helicopter is also involved in the rescue efforts. There have been several injuries but so far no casualties reported. Around 100 of those who were on the boat are not yet accounted for, according to Kyrenia mayor Murat Senkul. He described the situation as ‘very serious’. Public works minister Erhan Arikli said: ‘Unfortunately, the ship is now upside down. ‘Work continues for the evacuation of approximately 260 passengers.’ Arikli added that the sea is currently ‘quite rough’, complicating the operation. ‘Our priority is to bring our passengers to land without loss of life.’ Vice president of Turkey Cevdet Yilmaz said: ‘We are deeply saddened by the news we have received. ‘A catamaran-type passenger ship has sunk after taking on water off the coast of Girne. ‘Search and rescue operations have been launched by the TRNC and Republic of Turkey Coast Guard units and relevant institutions and are continuing without interruption.’ Arrow MORE: Nato fighter jets shoot down drone over Europe Arrow MORE: Monk arrested after ‘stabbing preacher with box cutter in a monastery’ Arrow MORE: Russia could test Nato in weeks, US intelligence warns News Updates Stay on top of the headlines with daily email updates.