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Passenger Catamaran Capsizes Off North Cyprus, Captain and Crew Detained

Investigations have been opened, with robotic dives planned as the sunken vessel lies more than 500 meters below the surface.

Overview

  • Rescue teams pulled roughly 237–239 people from the water and confirmed at least eight deaths after the catamaran began taking on water shortly after leaving Kyrenia on Sunday.
  • Authorities list about 18–20 people as still missing and have deployed divers and planned remote-operated vehicles because the wreck rests at more than 500 meters depth.
  • The captain and several crew members were detained and face criminal inquiry while officials seek the voyage data recorder to determine how water entered the ship and why it lost stability.
  • Survivors reported shortages of lifejackets, blocked or locked escape routes and possible onboard explosions, claims that are driving both criminal and technical probes of the ferry and its operator.
  • A severe storm that struck Cyprus before the sailing worsened sea conditions, officials suspended the Kyrenia–Turkey ferry route and announced a multi-day period of state mourning while regulators prepare stricter scrutiny of inspections.