Nearly 20 people still missing after ferry capsizes ⁠off northern Cyprus

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Published: 2026-08-31T10:45:55.822Z • Permanent link

Divers have joined search teams scouring the deep waters off northern Cyprus in a desperate bid to find survivors of the capsized ferry. The tragedy occurred on Tuesday evening, when the MV Pentland Falcon, which was carrying a mix of passengers and crew, struck a rock formation in the rough seas. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with passengers and crew members being thrown into the water as the ferry began to list severely. "It was like a nightmare come to life," said one witness, who wished to remain anonymous. "I saw people screaming and trying to cling to whatever they could find to stay afloat.

According to officials, the ferry was carrying a total of 492 passengers and crew members, with 8 confirmed dead so far. The identity of the victims has not been released, but officials say that they are working to identify the bodies and notify the families of those who have perished. The MV Pentland Falcon was operated by P&O Ferries, a UK-based company that specializes in ferry services across the Mediterranean. The ferry was built in 2017 and was designed to carry up to 2,200 passengers and crew members. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of ferry operations in the region, particularly given the rough seas and strong winds that were reported in the area at the time of the accident.

Rescue efforts are ongoing, with teams from the Turkish Coast Guard and the British authorities working together to search the waters and recover any survivors. The incident has also sparked an investigation into the cause of the accident, with officials promising to get to the bottom of what happened. "We are working tirelessly to determine the circumstances surrounding this tragedy," said a spokesperson for the Turkish Coast Guard. "We will leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of the truth.

The incident highlights the risks associated with ferry travel, particularly in areas with rough seas and strong winds. The MV Pentland Falcon was not the first ferry to experience difficulties in the region, with several other vessels having encountered similar challenges in the past. The incident also raises questions about the safety record of P&O Ferries, which has faced criticism in the past for its handling of safety issues. "This incident is a wake-up call for the ferry industry," said one expert. "It highlights the need for improved safety protocols and more stringent regulations to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.

The incident is also likely to have a significant impact on the tourism industry in northern Cyprus, which has been experiencing a surge in popularity in recent years. The ferry service was a key part of the island's transportation infrastructure, and the loss of the MV Pentland Falcon is likely to cause significant disruption to travel plans. "This incident is a major blow to our industry," said a spokesperson for the Cyprus Tourism Organization. "We are working closely with the authorities to assess the situation and provide support to affected travelers.

The incident is not an isolated incident, but rather part of a larger pattern of ferry accidents and incidents that have occurred in the region in recent years. In 2019, a ferry capsized off the coast of Greece, resulting in the deaths of several passengers. In 2020, a ferry caught fire while traveling through the Mediterranean, forcing passengers to evacuate in small boats. These incidents highlight the risks associated with ferry travel and the need for improved safety protocols and regulations to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.