Shipwreck off Cyprus coast leaves seven dead and 23 missing

A passenger ship sank off the northern coast of Cyprus on Sunday, August 30, resulting in at least seven deaths and leaving 23 people missing. The vessel was traveling between Girne and Mersin, Turkey, when it encountered severe weather conditions.

The ship, carrying 267 people (259 passengers and eight crew members), issued a mayday call at 12:10 local time after water began entering the hull. The disaster occurred during an unusual August storm characterized by heavy rain, hail, and wind gusts reaching 160 kilometers per hour. According to Turkish-Cypriot Prime Minister Ünal Üstel, a massive wave caused the vessel to capsize after the captain attempted to maneuver through the storm.

Rescue teams successfully saved 237 people, many of whom were injured and transported to local hospitals. The sunken vessel currently lies at a depth of approximately 514 meters, and there are concerns that some victims may remain trapped inside the hull.