Brother of missing passenger says captain ignored warnings before Cyprus ferry sank

September 11, 2026 at 05:36 PM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

A Turkish passenger ferry capsized on August 30 while sailing from Northern Cyprus to Mersin's Taşucu port, leaving 14 dead and 14 missing. Ahmet Bayhan, brother of missing passenger Mehmet Bayhan, said his brother called him at 12:11 that day to report the vessel was taking on water and passengers were urging the captain to turn back, but the captain did not listen. Search efforts for the missing continue.

Key Facts

The ferry was carrying 267 passengers and crew when it capsized on August 30.
14 people died and 14 are missing, including Mehmet Bayhan from Mardin.
Mehmet Bayhan called his brother Ahmet at 12:11 on August 30 and said the ship's lower section was taking on water and passengers were urging the captain to turn back.
Family lawyer Gurbet Bilbay said the family considers the incident a deliberate crime, not negligence, and will pursue legal action.

The Capsizing

The Turkish catamaran passenger ferry was en route from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus to Taşucu Port in Mersin when it capsized on August 30. The vessel carried 267 passengers and crew. The accident killed 14 people and left 14 missing, including Mehmet Bayhan from Mardin. Search operations for the missing are ongoing.

Brother's Account

Ahmet Bayhan said his brother Mehmet called him at 12:11 on August 30, minutes before the accident. Mehmet told him the ship's lower section was taking on a lot of water and that passengers were urging the captain to turn back, but the captain ignored them. Ahmet said he told his brother to tell the captain to return, but Mehmet ended the call saying he had to go upstairs. The family was unable to reach Mehmet after that call.

Family's Legal Stance

Family lawyer Gurbet Bilbay said the family views the incident as a deliberate crime, not mere negligence or carelessness. Bilbay called for an investigation into whether the ship had prior damage, the weather conditions on the day of the accident, and whether crew members held required certifications. She said the family's priority is finding Mehmet Bayhan and appealed to the minister for support. Bilbay stated that families are desperate and would rather receive bad news than remain in uncertainty.