A passenger ferry carrying 270 people capsized off the coast of Cyprus near Kyrenia in the early hours of Sunday morning, leaving at least seven people dead and 23 others unaccounted for, according to Turkish Cypriot officials. The vessel, which was travelling from Kyrenia to Tasucu, a Turkish port, went down approximately 2km north of Kyrenia, the Express reported.
Rescue operation underway
Turkish Cypriot coastguard vessels and a search and rescue helicopter were dispatched to the scene immediately after the incident. Turkish Cypriot mayor Murat Senkul confirmed that 270 people were aboard the craft and described the circumstances as "serious." Officials have now verified that at least seven people have perished, while 237 individuals have been brought to safety.
The vessel is believed to be a catamaran-style Filo Jet, measuring over 40 metres in length and 10 metres in width. Sources indicate it was operating under the Turkish flag. The exact cause of the capsizing has not been officially confirmed, but the boat is reported to have taken on water before sinking.
Official response and condolences
Turkey's Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz has stated that the nation is delivering "all possible support" to the continuing search and rescue mission. In a statement shared on social media, Mr Yılmaz said: "We are deeply saddened by the news we have received. A catamaran-type passenger ship has sunk after taking on water off the coast of Girne."
He added: "Search and rescue operations have been launched by the TRNC and Republic of Turkey Coast Guard units and relevant institutions and are continuing without interruption. At this moment, our primary priority is the rescue of the passengers and crew. We are closely following the unfortunate incident that has occurred and providing all possible support to the search and rescue efforts. I extend my condolences to the passengers on board, the crew, and our nation."
Impact and ongoing efforts
The incident has prompted a large-scale rescue operation involving multiple agencies from both the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and Turkey. As of the latest reports, 237 passengers have been rescued, but 23 remain missing, and the search continues. The ferry's operator and the exact circumstances leading to the capsizing are under investigation, though no official statement has been released regarding the cause. The death toll may rise as search and rescue teams continue to comb the waters off Kyrenia.
