Survivors of a ferry that capsized off northern Cyprus have said the crew ignored their warnings that the vessel was taking on water in stormy seas, shortly before it rolled over and sank. The disaster, which the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) has called the worst maritime tragedy in its history, has killed at least eight people, with around 18 still unaccounted for as search and rescue efforts continue. Authorities have arrested the ship's captain and seven crew members while an investigation into the sinking is carried out.

The ferry, carrying 267 passengers, left the port of Kyrenia at 11.58am bound for Tasucu in Turkey but began taking on water just 15 minutes later, with passengers describing the bow "exploding" and windows blowing out as it sank roughly four miles offshore. Survivors reported a chaotic scene with a shortage of life jackets, some spending over an hour in the water before rescue, while elderly passengers were reportedly trapped inside as the boat went down. Of those aboard, 161 were rescued and taken to hospital and 76 returned home; the TRNC government has declared three days of mourning.