Society News

Ferry to Turkey sinks off Kyrenia: 8 dead, 18 missing, the north's worst disaster in 40 years

A double-hulled ferry carrying 267 passengers and crew capsized on Sunday, August 30, about 7.5km off Kyrenia in Turkish-occupied northern Cyprus, on its way to the Turkish port of Taşucu in Mersin province. The Guardian and Al Jazeera reported at least eight dead and about 18 missing; officials gave figures of 18 or 19. The vessel sank to a depth of 514 metres.

Survivors clung to the upturned hull before passing boats and the coastguard rescued them. Al Jazeera said some survivors heard an explosion at the front of the boat, while others said there was not enough safety equipment. The Guardian reported that the captain and crew were detained for questioning, and that the captain had told passengers to put on lifejackets when the boat began taking in water.

“We've not seen anything like this before. It's by far the worst tragedy.” — Mehmet Harmancı, mayor of northern Nicosia, via The Guardian

The ferry was one of several daily shuttles linking northern Cyprus with Turkey, popular with Turkish workers as cheaper than flying.

How each outlet framed it

• The Guardian — local officials' shock and families waiting at the port through the night.
• Al Jazeera — survivors' accounts of children drowning, and the black box that may explain the cause.
• Khaleej Times — the AFP wire count of nearly 20 still missing.

What we don't know yet: what caused the sinking, and whether anyone remains trapped in the wreck.