Breaking News: Passenger ship capsizes off the coast of Kyrenia

A catamaran-type passenger ship belonging to Filo Denizcilik, which was sailing off the coast of the city of Kyrenia in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, capsized after taking on water from its bow for reasons yet to be determined.

According to information reported by Kıbrıs Postası, the captain of the ship, which was traveling approximately 2-2.5 kilometers off the coast of Kyrenia, noticed water entering the bow section. It was learned that the captain attempted to turn back toward the shore, but the attempt was unsuccessful as the ship capsized.

BREAKING NEWS! PASSENGER SHIP CAPSIZES!

It is reported that an Express Passenger Ship belonging to Filo Jet, which departed from Kyrenia Port a short time ago, has capsized 2 km offshore.

3 Coast Guard boats and 3 civilian boats are moving toward the scene.

Ambulance and police teams are also… pic.twitter.com/WothacqdSD

— Özgür Gazete Kıbrıs (@CyprusNewspaper) August 30, 2026

LIFE-AND-DEATH STRUGGLE AT SEA! THE SHIP HAS COMPLETELY TURNED UPSIDE DOWN!

An Express Passenger Ship belonging to Filo Jet, which departed from Kyrenia Port a short time ago, has capsized 2 km offshore.

In addition to Coast Guard ships, ships belonging to private companies have also mobilized to rescue the passengers.… pic.twitter.com/jlzR6BWgT8

— Özgür Gazete Kıbrıs (@CyprusNewspaper) August 30, 2026

It was reported that numerous boats in the vicinity also headed to the scene to assist. It was stated that small and large boats along the coast are supporting efforts to reach the passengers in the sea.

LIFE-AND-DEATH STRUGGLE AT SEA: HUNDREDS OF PASSENGERS WAITING TO BE RESCUED ARE WAITING ON TOP OF THE UPSIDE-DOWN SHIP!

Passengers on the Express Passenger Ship belonging to Filo Jet, which had 279 people on board and capsized 2-3 km offshore shortly after departing from Kyrenia Port, are on the upside-down ship… pic.twitter.com/Z19sNxhW90

— Özgür Gazete Kıbrıs (@CyprusNewspaper) August 30, 2026

TRNC Minister of Public Works and Transportation Erhan Arıklı reported that there were 259 passengers and 8 crew members on board. Search and rescue operations are ongoing for a total of 267 people.

A passenger ship has sunk off the coast of Kyrenia.

It is stated that there were approximately 259 passengers on board. Coast guard teams have been dispatched to the region. pic.twitter.com/YSF241v1cR

— Asayiş Berkemal (@asayisberkemal0) August 30, 2026

The ship, which was stated to be arriving at Taşucu in Silifke, Mersin, has sunk. A passenger ship capsized off the coast of Kyrenia, Cyprus, after taking on water for reasons yet unknown. While it was learned that there were 259 passengers and 8 crew members on board, Coast Guard search and rescue teams are intervening in the region. pic.twitter.com/Ns4uZ7usak

— Mersin Haber (@mersinhaber) August 30, 2026

Following the incident, all ambulances and hospitals in the region, especially in Kyrenia, were put on alert.

"THE SITUATION IS VERY SERIOUS"

Kyrenia Mayor Murat Şenkul said in his statement regarding the incident, "A passenger ship belonging to Filo Denizcilik has sunk off the coast of Diana Beach. There are a total of 270 people on board, including passengers and staff. The situation is very serious. The coast guard, the Akgünler Express ship, and numerous small boats are participating in the rescue efforts."

Şenkul announced that 159 passengers have been rescued so far.

News Source: 12punto