Passenger Boat Capsizes Near Kyrenia, 270 People on Board

Sun Sep 06 2026 02:05:51 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A passenger vessel carrying around 270 passengers capsized off Kyrenia in northern Cyprus. Rescue teams are searching for survivors after 159 people were reached, leaving many missing.

A passenger boat with some 270 travelers on board capsized roughly four miles off Kyrenia’s coast in northern Cyprus, sparking a frantic rescue operation. Mayor Murat Senkul reported that 159 passengers had been located, but dozens remain missing. Authorities continue search and rescue efforts in increasingly rough waters, with local media covering the evolving tragedy. Additional details are awaited as agencies work to account for all aboard and provide aid to survivors.

Passenger Boat Capsizes Near Kyrenia, 270 People on Board

A passenger vessel with roughly 270 passengers aboard suddenly capsized about four miles off the coast of Kyrenia in northern Cyprus. Rescue teams have been deployed immediately, with authorities conducting a large-scale search and rescue operation.

Murat Senkul, mayor of the coastal town of Kyrenia, told CNN Turk that 159 people had already been located by rescue crews, but the majority of those on board remain unaccounted for. He described the situation as very serious.

The vessel reportedly began taking on water shortly after leaving port, leading to the sudden overturning of the ship. Search efforts continue in the area, with local authorities coordinating with international agencies to locate missing passengers and provide medical assistance.

This breaking news story is being updated as more information becomes available. Readers are advised to check the BBC News App or follow BBC Breaking on X for real-time updates.