A tragic maritime incident unfolded off the coast of Girne in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) when a passenger ferry sank after taking on water. This unfortunate event, which occurred on a Sunday afternoon, involved 267 individuals, prompting an extensive rescue effort as reported by TRNC Minister of Public Works and Transport, Erhan Arıklı.
Details of the Incident
The ferry, a catamaran type, had set sail from Girne to Taşucu in southern Türkiye. Shortly after its departure, the vessel began to take on water due to adverse weather conditions. According to Arıklı, the ship was initially scheduled to leave the day before but had been postponed due to unfavorable weather. As the ferry continued to struggle, a significant wave hit it, ultimately resulting in its capsizing.
Rescue operations were initiated promptly, with the TRNC Coast Guard Command and Civil Defense teams dispatched to the site. They were joined by coast guard boats, helicopters, and several civilian vessels. These units worked together to evacuate passengers, moving them to safer locations as quickly as possible. The coast guard reached the scene within 15 to 20 minutes after the alert was raised.
Rescue Operations and Casualties
A second passenger vessel from Girne Port was also sent to assist in the rescue, taking aboard survivors from the distressed ferry. The harrowing scene saw passengers being evacuated to safety as rescuers did their best under challenging conditions. TRNC Prime Minister, Ünal Üstel, later confirmed that among those aboard the ferry were 259 passengers and eight crew members.
As the search-and-rescue operations continued, authorities received reports of fatalities, with at least seven confirmed dead and 23 individuals still unaccounted for. Türkiye’s ambassador to Lefkoşa, Ali Murat Başçeri, validated the grim news and mentioned that a majority of the passengers had been rescued.
Government Response and Crisis Management
In response to the capsizing, a Crisis Desk led by Prime Minister Üstel was convened to oversee the operations. Attendees included key officials such as the ministers of transport, health, and interior, as well as commanders from various security and civil defense agencies. The meeting underscored the importance of coordination among all state institutions while continuing the search-and-rescue efforts without interruption.
Arıklı noted that both serious injuries and stable conditions were observed among the rescued passengers. Emergency services were prepared at Girne Port, with ambulances stationed and medical treatment tents set up for immediate assistance. Those requiring further medical attention were promptly transferred to hospitals, ensuring comprehensive care for the survivors.
Ongoing Recovery Efforts
The TRNC Interior Ministry mobilized significant resources, including five coast guard vessels and two helicopters, while collaborative efforts with the Turkish Naval Forces were initiated to bolster the rescue mission. The passenger vessel AKGÜNLER 3 also played a crucial role in the evacuation.
Prime Minister Üstel reaffirmed the government’s commitment to prioritize human life above all else during this crisis. He stated that all relevant institutions were on the ground, fully coordinated and equipped to handle the ongoing situation. As rescue teams intensified their search for the missing individuals, the joint efforts of various agencies and the civil community remain focused on bringing closure to this tragic incident.