Overview
- The passenger catamaran left Kyrenia for Taşucu and capsized within minutes on Sunday with 267 people aboard, triggering a large sea and air rescue operation.
- Officials say eight people have been confirmed dead and roughly 18–24 remain missing while scores were rescued and dozens were treated in hospital.
- Survivors reported a loud blast, rapid flooding and chaotic evacuation with shortages of lifejackets and some blocked exits that hampered escape.
- Police detained the captain and multiple crew members and prosecutors have brought negligent‑homicide charges as investigators seek the vessel’s black box and other evidence.
- The wreck now rests about 514 metres down, a depth that complicates recovery and forensic work and has prompted Turkey and northern Cypriot authorities to deploy specialised assets.