Seven dead and 23 missing after ferry capsizes off Kyrenia

Kyrenia, Cyprus. At least seven people died and 23 were missing after the passenger ferry Express, carrying 267 people, took on water and capsized off the coast of Kyrenia on Sunday afternoon. Search and rescue operations were continuing.

Ferry departure and damage

The catamaran, owned by Filo Denizcilik (Filo Jet), left Kyrenia port about an hour behind schedule after harbour authorities had initially withheld clearance because of severe weather.

Shortly after departure, the vessel was caught in a storm and began taking on water from the bow. The cause remained under investigation.

Initial Turkish Cypriot media reports said the ageing fibreglass vessel sustained severe damage and broke in two, raising questions about whether its construction materials were suitable for navigation.

Rescue operation

Turkish Cypriot “prime minister” Ünal Üstel told TRT that 237 people had been rescued and seven bodies recovered. He said the ferry was carrying 259 passengers and eight crew members.

Military units, coast guard vessels, private boats and helicopters were supporting the search and rescue operation.

Kyrenia “mayor” Murat Şenkul said many people initially unaccounted for were floating in life jackets while awaiting rescue.

Medical and official response

Health authorities mobilised ambulances at Kyrenia Port to transfer survivors to nearby hospitals, while relatives gathered at the dock.

The Republic of Cyprus offered immediate assistance through the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre, saying it was ready to deploy aeronautical assets or take control of the search operation to protect human life.

President Nikos Christodoulides instructed the Greek Cypriot negotiator to convey the offer to the Turkish Cypriot leader through UNFICYP. Government sources said all available resources should be deployed when lives were at risk.

Earlier, Turkish Ambassador to Nicosia Ali Murat Başçeri said emergency responders had brought a large number of passengers ashore safely.