At least eight individuals have lost their lives following a ferry accident off the northern Cyprus coast on Sunday, with nearly 270 passengers and crew on board when the vessel capsized, as per reports from Turkish media sources.
Northern Cyprus Prime Minister Unal Ustel informed the Turkish state-run TRT news channel that 237 individuals have been rescued, while efforts are ongoing to locate those still missing.
Ustel disclosed that the ferry encountered harsh weather conditions and started taking in water only 15 minutes after setting sail. A distress call was made shortly thereafter.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan extended his condolences and mentioned that his administration is collaborating with Northern Cyprus in the ongoing search and rescue operations.
“We are hopeful for positive updates,” Erdogan stated during a speech at the Turkish Military Academy’s graduation ceremony in Ankara on Sunday.
The ferry, designed in a catamaran style, was en route from Kyrenia port (also known as Girne) in the northern part of Cyprus to Tasucu port in Mersin province, Turkey.
According to Kyrenia Mayor Murat Senkul, the vessel belonged to the Filo Denizcilik ferry company and sank near Diana Beach on the northern coast of Cyprus.
Approximately 7.5 kilometers off the coast, the ferry began taking on water, as reported by TRT. Footage from the scene depicts individuals in life jackets floating in the water surrounding the overturned ferry.
Constantinos Letymbiotis, a spokesperson for Cyprus’s internationally recognized government, expressed readiness to support the search and rescue efforts using available resources on social media.
“Our hearts go out to those affected by this tragedy, including the deceased, injured individuals, and all impacted by this unfortunate incident,” Letymbiotis conveyed, emphasizing the utmost priority on preserving human life during such distressing circumstances.